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Micro-nutrient supplementation and the intelligence of children
1Department of Psychology, University of Wales Swansea, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. d.benton@swansea.ac.uk
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|July 11, 2001
Summary
Micro-nutrient supplementation positively impacts children's intelligence, particularly non-verbal measures. A minority of children with poor diets show the most significant benefits from these supplements.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Previous research on micro-nutrient supplementation and child intelligence lacked systematic approaches.
- Recent studies focus on specific verbal and non-verbal intelligence measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize findings from double-blind placebo-controlled studies on micro-nutrient supplementation and children's intelligence.
- To identify patterns in response based on supplementation type and cognitive measures.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of double-blind placebo-controlled studies.
- Analysis of studies comparing micro-nutrient supplementation effects on verbal versus non-verbal intelligence.
- Correlation of findings with dietary intake surveys.
Main Results:
- 10 out of 13 recent studies reported positive effects of micro-nutrient supplementation on intelligence.
- Positive responses were consistently observed in non-verbal measures for a subset of children.
- Children with lower dietary micro-nutrient intake showed greater benefits.
Conclusions:
- Micro-nutrient supplementation can enhance children's non-verbal intelligence, especially in undernourished populations.
- Individual responses vary, suggesting a targeted benefit for children with specific dietary deficiencies.
- Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm findings across diverse populations and age groups.