Revolutionizing Brain Nutrition through Pioneering Citizen Science Research

Patrick Holford is a well-known author, researcher, and advocate for nutrition and mental health. As the founder and CEO of UK charity Food for the Brain, he is leading the charge in promoting brain health through better nutrition. For decades, Holford has been raising awareness about declining IQ scores worldwide, attributing this trend to diets high in complex carbs and sugar. He advocates for a diet high in fats and essential vitamins and minerals to reverse this decline.

Holford emphasizes the urgency of addressing mental health problems, which are now rated as the number one most expensive and pressing health issue by government reports. He points to the rise in depression, autism, ADHD, and dementia as evidence of this alarming trend. According to studies, there has been about a 7% decrease in IQ per generation since the 1970s, indicating a significant problem that needs to be addressed.

The prevalence of mental health issues, especially among children, is a major concern for Holford. He notes that in some parts of the UK, 50% of women are on antidepressants, highlighting the scale of the issue. Despite the dire situation, Holford remains determined to bring attention to this issue through Food for the Brain and make as much noise as possible.

To support its cause, Holford’s charity has been using at-home blood spot tests and digital cognitive health questionnaires to assess the nutrition and cognition status of thousands of participants. By providing nutrition advice and building a substantial databank, the charity aims to catalyze a widespread shift in perceptions around mental and cognitive health. A podcast with NutraIngredients Europe Editor Nikki Hancocks provides further details on this mission.

Overall, Holford’s work with Food for the Brain is crucial in addressing the growing mental health crisis in our society today. Through his dedication and efforts towards promoting better nutrition practices