All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A child's intelligence is directly related to dietary intake
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
According to some scientists, 70% of human intelligence is laid down before birth. However, there is still 30% available for development, and parents have the opportunity to significantly improve their child's intellectual abilities. Nutrition plays a special role in this. The amount of vitamins and minerals a child receives will determine his intelligence.
Thanks to a number of studies conducted by scientists, it was possible to find out that basic intellectual abilities are formed in the first two years of life, and they directly depend on the child's diet. The more products are given to the baby that promote brain development and improve its functioning, the smarter he will grow up later. In particular, this fact was proven thanks to the results of an experiment in which 7,000 children participated.
Breast milk turned out to be the most useful product for a child. It contains many useful vitamins and minerals that not only strengthen the immune system, but also improve brain function. Having studied the results of the experiment, scientists advised young mothers to breastfeed their babies up to 1.5-2 years so that the child grows up smarter.
Eating fruits, vegetables and fermented milk products also contributes to the development of intelligence. The intelligence of children who were fed mainly healthy food, according to the testing results, was above average. That is why it is recommended to give children fresh berries, vegetables and fruits, as well as products such as cheese and fish. Red fish contains iodine and zinc, and its consumption helps improve concentration, strengthen the immune system and improve brain function. Of course, parents are advised to develop an "intellectual diet" using the recommendations of a pediatrician.
In addition to healthy products, there are also harmful ones. Scientists have found that children who were often fed chips, biscuits, candies, chocolate and soda at the age of 2 were less attentive and smart than their peers by the age of 8. For this reason, doctors recommend completely eliminating products that slow down brain development from a child's diet. This is especially true for chips and soda.