Maternal Dietary Pattern in Pregnancy and Behavioral Outcomes at 4 Years of Age in the Piccolipiu Cohort: Potential Sex-Related Differences.

ABSTRACT: Background: The fetal period is critical for neurodevelopment, with maternal diet emerging as a key environmental factor influencing long-term child health. This study investigated the associations between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes in 4-year-old children, with a particular focus on sex-related differences. Methods: We used data from the Piccolipiù Italian birth cohort, including 2006 mother/child pairs. Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy was assessed via a questionnaire and categorized into distinct patterns using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Child neurodevelopment was evaluated at age 4 using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1.5-5).

SUBMITTER: Leccese L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12430498 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature