(07-03-11) Poor childhood diet lowers intelligence in later life

by John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Most people understand the importance of a well balanced diet,
including the minimum daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, to prevent
chronic disease. These critical cofactors of life are repeatedly shown to
promote health and prevent a myriad of chronic diseases from diabetes and
dementia to heart disease and cancer. The impact of proper nutrition on a
child`s developing brain is brought to light in a study published in the
British Medical Journal. A processed food diet packed with sugar, fat and
excess salt can lower IQ in early childhood, while eating a diet filled with
healthy natural foods that provide a full compliment of vitamins and nutrients
is shown to benefit cognitive development.

The study results were based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and
Children involving 14,000 children born in 1991 and 1992. Based on parent
questionnaires, children were placed into one of three dietary groups based on
eating patterns: `processed` including excessive fats, sugars and salt,
`traditional` based on high quantities of meats and vegetables and `health-
conscious` that stressed salads, fruits, vegetables, rice and pasta.

IQ was measured at the age of 8 1/2 using the standardized Wechsler
Intelligence Scale for Children. Researchers found that children eating the
most processed food diet at age 3 scored 1.67 IQ points lower for each 1 point
increase in dietary pattern score. Similarly, those eating the most healthful
diet scored 1.2 IQ points higher for every 1 point improvement in dietary
pattern score. Diet was found to have no effect on IQ score after the age of 4
years.

This study underscores the importance of proper diet on the developing brain.
Prior research has shown an association between early childhood diet and later
behavior and school performance. The research authors noted "This suggests that
any cognitive/behavioral effects relating to eating habits in early childhood
may well persist into later childhood, despite any subsequent changes
(including improvements) to dietary intake".

The brain is growing at an accelerated rate during the first three years of
life, and scientists have observed that head growth during this time is linked
to intellectual ability. Clearly a diet filled with processed and refined foods
that have been stripped of most natural nutrients during these formative years
stunts normal brain growth and the development of the critical neural network
that are essential to higher brain function and learning.

Researchers concluded "It is possible that good nutrition during this period
may encourage optimal brain growth." Starting infants and children on a natural
diet early in life is one of the most important lifestyle habits we can teach
our children. The diet they become comfortable eating during these early years
will help them to develop optimally and avoid the many diseases that plaque
adults throughout life.

Article References:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...
http://group.bmj.com/group/media/la...

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