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Diet in the early years of life influences cognitive outcomes at 10 years: A prospective cohort study

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between diet during the first 3 years of life and cognitive outcomes at 10 years of age.

Authors:
Nyaradi A, Li J, Hickling S, Whitehouse AJ, Foster JK, Oddy WH

Authors notes:
Acta Paediatrica. 2013:online

Keywords:
Children, Cognition, Diet, Nutrition

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between diet during the first 3 years of life and cognitive outcomes at 10 years of age.

A higher Eating Assessment in Toddlers diet score at age one was associated with higher PPVT-III and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices scores at age ten after adjustments.

Increased fruit consumption at age one was positively associated, while increased sweetened beverage consumption was negatively associated with cognitive development.

Dairy consumption at ages two and three had positive associations with the PPVT-III and at age two with the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices.

A better diet quality during the early years of life may have a positive effect on cognitive ability later in childhood.