Study: Healthy Diet Could Mean Higher IQ In Children

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is now even more reason to feed your child a healthy diet. According to a British study from the University of Bristol, children who eat a healthy diet could have a slightly higher IQ in later life.

The report is based on information from a study of 14,000 people born between 1991 and 1992. The children's health has been monitored throughout their lives.

According to the authors of the study, there was a significant difference in children who ate a diet high in salads, vegetables, fruit pasta and rice when compared to those who had a diet high in processed foods and sugar.

According to their information, the 20% of children in the study who ate processed foods had an average IQ of 101. Those with a healthier diet had an average IQ of 106.

Critics of the study say it is virtually impossible to eliminate other factors such as parents of the children or an environment in which they live. The authors agree that the study may not be perfect, but they add that the healthier diet not only make sense from the stance of an IQ but for overall health as well.

Reported by Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio 1060