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Can nutritional supplements help mentally retarded children? an exploratory study.

R F Harrell, R H Capp, D R Davis

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Nutritional supplements significantly improved IQ scores in children with mental retardation, supporting the genetotrophic disease hypothesis. Supplementation ameliorated symptoms in some cases, indicating a potential treatment avenue.

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    Area of Science:

    • Nutritional Neuroscience
    • Developmental Pediatrics
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Mental retardation is a complex condition with multifactorial causes.
    • The genetotrophic hypothesis posits that certain genetic profiles necessitate enhanced nutrient supply for optimal development.
    • Understanding the nutritional basis of cognitive impairment is crucial for developing effective interventions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the efficacy of nutritional supplementation in ameliorating cognitive deficits in children with mental retardation.
    • To test the hypothesis that mental retardation can be partly explained by genetotrophic diseases.
    • To assess the impact of specific vitamin and mineral supplements on intellectual quotient (IQ) and physical development.

    Main Methods:

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  • A partially double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment was conducted over 8 months with 16 school-aged children exhibiting mental retardation (IQ 17-70).
  • Participants received either a nutritional supplement (8 minerals, 11 vitamins) or a placebo.
  • IQ scores and physical development were monitored throughout the study, with a crossover design implemented in the second period.

    • Main Results:

    • Children receiving supplements showed a statistically significant average IQ increase of 5.0-9.6 compared to negligible changes in the placebo group (P < 0.05).
    • Upon receiving supplements in the second period, the placebo group demonstrated a highly significant IQ gain of at least 10.2 (P < 0.001).
    • Three children with Down syndrome experienced IQ gains of 10-25 points and showed physical improvements; other subjects noted enhanced visual acuity and growth rates.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings strongly support the genetotrophic hypothesis, suggesting that nutritional interventions can ameliorate certain types of mental retardation.
    • Supplementation with essential vitamins and minerals appears to be a viable strategy for improving cognitive function and developmental outcomes in specific populations.
    • Further research into genetotrophic diseases could unlock novel therapeutic approaches for intellectual disabilities.