Researchers find link between early childhood diet and IQ

By Staff Writer

According to a recent study, kids who consume diets that are high in fats, sugars and processed foods in early childhood may have a lower IQ, compared to those who eat diets that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. The findings, which are published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, utilize data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

The study tracked about 14,000 children who were born between 1991 and 1992. Parents were asked to detail the types and frequency of food and drink that their child consumed at ages 3, 4, 7 and 8.5 years old.

Dietary patterns were defined as processed, which consisted of high fat and sugar intake, traditional, which was high in meat and vegetables, and health conscious, which featured salads, fruit, vegetables, rice and pasta.

The results revealed that children who ate diets high in processed foods at age 3 had lower IQs at age 8.5, compared to those who ate healthier foods. In fact, every one point increase in dietary pattern was linked to a 1.67 fall in IQ.

The study authors conclude that the effects of early eating habits may persist into childhood and adolescence.