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Association of ultraprocessed foods consumption and cognitive function among children aged 4-7 years: a

Shun Liu1, Caimei Mo2, Lidi Lei2

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|October 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Frequent consumption of candy and sweet bakery products is linked to lower cognitive scores in Chinese preschoolers. This highlights potential risks of ultraprocessed foods on early childhood development and intelligence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Food Science and Technology

Background:

  • Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is linked to cognitive function in preschoolers.
  • Research on other ultraprocessed foods' impact on cognitive function in Chinese children is limited.
  • Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are common in modern diets, necessitating investigation into their effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between ultraprocessed food consumption and cognitive function in Chinese preschoolers.
  • To assess the impact of specific UPFs (candy, sweet bakery products) on intelligence quotient (IQ) and cognitive domains.
  • To determine the risk of cognitive deficit associated with frequent UPF intake.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 325 children aged 4-7 years in Guangxi, China, was studied.
  • Parental interviews using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) assessed consumption of seven UPFs.
  • Cognitive function was evaluated using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV).

Main Results:

  • Frequent candy and sweet bakery product consumption correlated with lower Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) scores.
  • Candy consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive deficit.
  • Higher intake of multiple UPFs (more than two types) was linked to decreased Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) scores.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent consumption of individual UPFs like candy and sweet bakery products may negatively impact cognitive function.
  • Consumption of multiple UPFs can lead to decreased VCI scores, affecting overall cognitive abilities in young children.
  • Findings underscore the importance of monitoring and potentially limiting UPF intake in early childhood for optimal cognitive development.
Abstract

Keywords:
candychildrencognitive functioncross-sectionalultraprocessed foods consumption

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