Nut consumption during pregnancy is associated with decreased risk of peer problems in 5‐year‐old Japanese children

Nuts are nutrient‐dense foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The present prebirth cohort study examined the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems in 5‐year‐old Japanese children. Study subjects were 1199 mother–child pairs. Dietary intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. Emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, peer problems, and low prosocial behavior were assessed using the parent‐reported version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adjustments were made for a priori‐selected nondietary confounders and potentially related dietary factors. Compared with mothers who had not eaten nuts during pregnancy, mothers who had eaten nuts had a significantly reduced risk of peer problems in children; the adjusted odds ratio was 0.64 (95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.97). There were no measurable associations between maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy and the risk of childhood emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity problems, and low prosocial behavior. Maternal consumption of nuts during pregnancy may be associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in 5‐year‐old children. Maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with child development.Nuts are nutrient‐dense foods. However, the number of epidemiological investigations examining the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems is very limited. Maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with child development. Nuts are nutrient‐dense foods. However, the number of epidemiological investigations examining the association between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood behavioral problems is very limited. In the current study, nut consumption was associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in children.Further investigation of the potential benefits of nut consumption during pregnancy on child behavior is warranted. In the current study, nut consumption was associated with a decreased risk of peer problems in children. Further investigation of the potential benefits of nut consumption during pregnancy on child behavior is warranted.