Babies are brainier if mums eat more fish.

Byline: By Lyndsay Moss

BABIES develop faster if their mums eat fish during pregnancy, it was claimed yesterday.

Oily fish is known to help prevent heart disease, while its omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids boost babies' nervous systems.

Now a study of 7400 mums found a 'subtle but consistent' link to their children's language and social activity at 18months.

The largest effect was on babies' understanding of words at 15 months.

Those whose mums ate fish at least once a week scored seven per cent higher than those whose mothers never ate fish.

Scores were also higher among children who ate fish at least once a week before their first birthday.

Julie Daniels, of North Carolina University, said: 'Fish is a source of many nutrients that can be beneficial in pregnancy.'

Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency yesterday issued guidelines on the maximum amount of oily fish that should be eaten.

Pregnant women should have no more than two portions of fish a week.

They should avoid shark, marlin, swordfish and fresh tuna due to their mercury content.

Children, men and women over child-bearing age can eat up to four portions of fish a week.