Children who already consumed more ultra-processed foods at age two scored lower on IQ tests a few years later. This is suggested by a new study by scientists from the University of Illinois, which raises questions about how early eating habits affect brain development, informs .
The results, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, are based on an analysis of a large group of children born in the Brazilian city of Pelotas in 2015. Researchers followed thousands of children from birth and compared their diet at age two with cognitive outcomes between ages six and seven.
Scientists divided the diet into two patterns. A “healthy” model included legumes, fruits, vegetables or natural juices. An “unhealthy” model created sweet biscuits, candies, sweetened drinks, instant noodles, cold meats and other highly processed products.
Children who were more inclined to “unhealthy” formula, they had lower IQ scores at school ageeven after taking into account factors such as mother’s education, socioeconomic status or duration of breastfeeding.
Importantly, the study does not demonstrate direct cause and effect. It doesn’t mean that the occasional sweet will lower your IQ. The key is the overall long-term eating pattern, not the occasional treat. It is also interesting that the “healthy” model was not directly associated with higher IQ, probably because most children already consumed fruits and vegetables regularly.
The authors point to possible mechanisms such as inflammation in the body, oxidative stress or disruption of the intestinal microbiome. However, these are hypotheses that require further research.
You don’t have to change your diet from day to day. Small changes can have a big effect. Have sweet cereals instead oatmeal with fruit and nut butter, have packaged fruit snacks instead fresh or frozen fruit.
Replace instant noodles for whole grain pasta with olive oil and sausages for roast chicken, hummus or bean spread. It is better to drink instead of sugary drinks water with fruit or milk.
Experts emphasize that it is not about perfection, but about what children eat regularly. Diet in early childhood can have a long-term effect on our body and small changes today, can make a big difference in a few years.
