Patrick Holford is a renowned 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 way in promoting brain health through better nutrition.
Since the 1970s, 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. However, he emphasizes that addressing mental health problems is equally important as it is now rated as the number one most expensive and pressing health issue by government reports.
Holford points to the increase 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. In some parts of the UK, 50% of women are on antidepressants which highlights the scale of the issue.
To support its cause, Food for the Brain 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. Further details on this mission can be found in a podcast with NutraIngredients Europe Editor Nikki Hancocks available for listening.
Overall, Patrick Holford’s work with Food for the Brain continues to shed light on an important issue that affects millions around the world – promoting better nutrition for improved brain health and addressing mental health challenges head-on.