Study Finds Types of Food That Lower Children's IQ

A study shows that unhealthy dietary patterns at the age of two have a negative impact on human brain development.

The habit of consuming ultra-processed foods (such as sausages, nuggets, instant noodles, and snacks) during childhood has the potential to affect cognitive development. The findings, published in the scientific journal British Journal of Nutrition, found a link between unhealthy eating patterns at age two and lower IQ scores when children reach school age.

This study adds to the growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating the importance of nutritional quality during the first years of life.

Quoting PSY Post, the first few years of human life represent a biological window of rapid change. The brain grows quickly during this period, building the neural connections necessary for learning and memory.

This process requires a stable supply of specific nutrients to function correctly. Without sufficient iron, zinc, or healthy fats, the brain may not develop to its full capacity.

Researchers from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign investigated this issue. The team aimed to determine whether eating habits formed at age two could predict cognitive abilities several years later.

The team analysed information from more than 3,400 children. When the children were two years old, their parents answered questions regarding the toddler’s typical diet.

When the children reached the age of six or seven, trained psychologists assessed their intelligence. They used a standardised test known as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. This test measures various mental skills to produce an IQ score. The researchers then looked for a statistical relationship between the diet at age two and the test results four years later.

The analysis showed a clear link between unhealthy diets and lower cognitive scores. Children who frequently consumed processed and sugary foods at age two tended to have lower IQ scores at school age.

This relationship persisted even when researchers accounted for other factors affecting intelligence. They adjusted the data for maternal education, family income, and the amount of mental stimulation the child received at home.