Study Finds Types of Food That Lower Children's IQ

Research indicates 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, chicken nuggets, instant noodles, and crisps—during early childhood can potentially affect their cognitive development. The findings, published in the scientific journal British Journal of Nutrition, discovered a link between an unhealthy diet 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 in the first years of life. The first few years of human life represent a biological window of rapid change. The brain grows quickly during this time and builds the neural connections necessary for learning and memory. This process requires a steady 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. They analysed information from over 3,400 children. When the children were two years old, their parents answered questions about what the toddlers typically ate. When the children reached six or seven years of age, trained psychologists assessed their intelligence using a standardised test called the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. This test measures various mental skills to produce an IQ score. The researchers then looked for statistical links between diet at age two and test results four years later. The analysis showed a clear connection between an unhealthy diet 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 association remained even when the researchers accounted for other factors that influence intelligence. They adjusted the data for maternal education, family income, and the amount of mental stimulation the child received at home.