health
February 15, 2026
Childhood Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Lower IQ
Toddlers who consume large quantities of ultraprocessed food are more likely to have lower IQs when they reach school age, according to a new study
TL;DR
- Consuming large quantities of ultraprocessed food in toddlers is associated with lower IQs at school age.
- A study found a 2-point drop in IQ at age seven for children with high ultraprocessed food intake at age two.
- The negative impact was more severe for children with pre-existing developmental difficulties, showing a 5-point IQ reduction.
- Potential causes include negative changes to the gut microbiome and increased oxidative stress due to a lack of antioxidants in these foods.
- The study analyzed data from over 3,400 children in Pelotas, Brazil, assessing diet at age two and cognitive function at age seven.
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