Patrick Holford is an esteemed author, researcher, and advocate for nutrition and mental health. As the founder and CEO of UK charity Food for the Brain, he is 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 advocates for a diet high in fats and essential vitamins and minerals to reverse this decline.
The urgent need to address mental health issues cannot be overstated, according to Holford. These problems are now the most expensive and pressing health concern according to government reports. The increase in depression, autism, ADHD, and dementia serves as evidence of this alarming trend. Studies have shown a 7% decrease in IQ per generation since the 1970s, which highlights the severity of this issue that needs immediate attention.
Holford is particularly concerned about the prevalence of mental health issues among children. In some parts of the UK, 50% of women are on antidepressants, indicating the scale of the problem. Despite this dire situation, Holford remains determined to bring attention to this issue through Food for the Brain and make as much noise as possible.
Food for the Brain is 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. For more information on this mission, listeners can tune into a podcast with NutraIngredients Europe Editor Nikki Hancocks available now.