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 has been at the forefront of 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 believes that a diet high in fats and essential vitamins and minerals can reverse this decline.
Holford emphasizes the urgent need to address mental health problems, which are now considered the most expensive and pressing health issue by government reports. He cites rising rates of depression, autism, ADHD, and dementia as evidence of this alarming trend. Studies have shown that there has been 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 among children is particularly concerning for Holford. He notes that in some parts of the UK, half of women are on antidepressants. Despite these challenges, 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, Food for the Brain uses at-home blood spot tests and digital cognitive health questionnaires to assess the nutrition 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. For more information on this mission, listeners can tune into a podcast with NutraIngredients Europe Editor Nikki Hancocks available online now.