Beware, Junk Food Lowers Child IQ
The proliferation of fast food restaurants in major cities becomes a dilemma for the citizens. When career is a priority, many parents without thinking give their children fast food or junk food on the grounds of practicality.
In fact, when viewed from the nutritional value, junk food does not contain nutrients for the needs of children’s growth. Instead, giving junk food to children can have a negative impact on growth.
According to a recent study, junk food can lower IQ in children. As reported by the Daily Mail, a study conducted by the University of Adelaide found that children who were given intake of junk food will grow into a child who is less intelligent.
At age eight, children who frequently eat junk food has an IQ two points lower than their peers who eat healthy foods.
“The difference in IQ is not great, but this study provides strong evidence that states that the diet of children aged 6-24 months have a significant impact on IQ at age 8 years,” said Dr Lisa Smithers, head of the research.
The research team looked at the relationship between the eating habits of children aged 6 months, 15 months, and two years old with their IQ at the age of 8 years. To that end, the researchers included seven thousand children with a variety of eating patterns, including traditional and contemporary self-made baby food, instant baby food, milk, and junk food.
“Food provides the nutrients needed for growth of brain tissue in the first two years of life, and the purpose of this study was to see the impact of diet on children’s IQ,” he said.
This study found that children who were breastfed until the age of 6 months, and then added with a regular healthy diet including nuts, cheese, fruits, and vegetables at the age of 15 and 24 months, has a higher IQ at age eight.
Meanwhile, children who eats junk food regularly, and eat sweets, chocolate, and soft drinks in the first two years of their life will have an IQ of up to two points lower at age eight.
The study, published in European Journal of Epidemiology will strengthen the idea that child needs of a healthy diet that is crucial.
“It’s important for us to consider long-term impact of food on our children,” he said.
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