Are pupils' 'Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)' scores associated with a nation's fish consumption?. Issue 7 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmiedel, Volker; Vogt, Hans; Walach, Harald
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of public health. Volume 46:Issue 7(2018:Nov.)
• Page Start: 675
• Page End: 679
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Omega-3 -- PUFAs -- fish consumption -- PISA -- school achievement; Public health -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; 614
• DOI: 10.1177/1403494817717834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1403-4948

Abstract

Aims: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for neurodevelopment. Fish is a major source of these essential nutrients. We asked whether a nation's fish consumption is associated with its pupils' PISA scores as measures of school achievement, independent of economic status and breastfeeding. Method (Design and Setting): This was a regression analytic study based on published data. Results: Data on fish consumption and PISA scores were available for 64 countries. A significant regression model explained 72% of the variance in PISA scores. Breastfeeding does not enter the model. After controlling for technical and/or economic development, a nation's fish consumption remains a significant predictor, explaining an additional 4% of the variance. Discussion: This effect is likely due to the fact that fish, as the major source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for a population, is important for the omega-3 supply to mothers and the early neurodevelopment of their children. Conclusions : Fish consumption, as a proxy for a population's omega-3 supply, is an independent predictor of pupils' school achievement, in addition to a nation's economic development.