There has been much debate in recent years over whether meat consumption is linked to intelligence. Some studies have suggested that people who eat meat, especially red meat, tend to have higher IQs on average compared to vegetarians and vegans. However, the research remains inconclusive and often contradictory. This article will examine the evidence surrounding the relationship between meat eating and intelligence.
Meat Consumption and Brain Development
Some researchers hypothesize that eating meat, which is a good source of protein, iron, vitamins B12 and D, zinc, and other nutrients important for brain development and function, may help boost intelligence. Animal foods contain more bioavailable forms of these nutrients compared to plant foods. Deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, zinc and vitamin D have been associated with cognitive impairment.
During pregnancy and early childhood, adequate nutrition is essential for proper neurodevelopment. Some observational studies have found positive correlations between meat intake during these critical developmental periods and cognitive outcomes. For example, one study of over 7,000 children found that those who ate meat early in life scored higher on IQ tests at age 8 compared to those who ate little or no meat before age 3.
However, these studies do not prove causation. It may be that families with higher socioeconomic status, better education, and greater access to nutritious foods tend to eat more meat and also provide enriching environments for their children, confounding the relationship between meat and cognition. Well-controlled randomized trials are needed to determine if meat consumption directly improves cognitive abilities.
Nutrients in Meat Important for Brain Function
| Nutrient | Function |
|---|---|
| Protein | Needed to build and maintain brain cells and neurotransmitters |
| B12 | Required for nerve cell function and neurotransmitter synthesis |
| Iron | Transports oxygen in the blood to brain cells |
| Zinc | Involved in neurogenesis, synapse formation, and neurotransmitter metabolism |
| Vitamin D | Protects brain cells and supports cognitive performance |
Studies Comparing IQ of Meat Eaters vs. Vegetarians
Several large observational studies have compared the IQ scores of people who eat meat to those who avoid meat. The findings have been mixed:
– A 2020 study of over 8000 adults found that people who ate red and processed meat scored lower on IQ tests than pescatarians and vegetarians.
– However, a 2015 analysis of three British cohorts did not find any significant IQ differences between vegetarians and meat eaters.
– Interestingly, a 2005 study of over 8000 teenagers found that those who ate fish and red meat had slightly higher verbal and non-verbal IQ scores than vegetarians.
– In younger children, a small 2018 study found semi-vegetarian 8-11 year olds slightly outperformed omnivores on some cognitive tests.
Overall, these observational studies do not provide strong evidence that avoiding meat lowers or raises intelligence. Confounding factors like socioeconomic status likely influence the results. For example, vegetarian diets may be more common among higher earners looking to eat healthier. Randomized controlled trials are needed to isolate the effect of meat consumption itself.
Potential Reasons for Inconsistent Findings
– Observational studies cannot prove causation, only correlation
– Confounding factors like socioeconomic status, education levels
– Non-meat eaters may supplement with important nutrients found in meat
– Type of alternative protein sources matters (plant vs. dairy/eggs)
– Modest differences in IQ scores may not be practically meaningful
Does Eating Meat Increase Risk of Cognitive Decline?
While the link between meat eating earlier in life and intelligence remains questionable, some studies suggest meat intake could impact cognitive abilities later in life.
Several large cohort studies have found an association between higher consumption of processed and red meats and increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline in old age. For example:
– In a study of over 2000 adults, those who ate the most red meat were 24% more likely to develop poor cognitive function over time compared to light/moderate meat eaters.
– Processed meat intake has also been associated with faster cognitive decline in the elderly. In a study following over 5000 adults for 8 years, those who ate more processed meat showed worse performance on cognitive tests over time.
– Higher saturated fat intake from meat may contribute to cognitive impairment by increasing inflammation and promoting atherosclerosis which reduces cerebral blood flow.
However, other studies have found no link between meat consumption and age-related cognitive changes. As with the research on intelligence, confounding variables make it difficult to isolate meat’s effects. Overall, moderation seems advisable but more evidence is still needed.
Effect of Meat-Based vs Plant-Based Diets on Brain Health
While most studies look at meat consumption in isolation, some research has compared cognitive outcomes in people following different dietary patterns overall:
– A 2021 review found that plant-based diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes may protect against cognitive decline and dementia. This may be due to beneficial compounds like antioxidants and polyphenols.
– An observational study of over 27,000 adults found that those sticking closest to a Mediterranean-style diet with modest amounts of poultry, fish and meat had better cognitive function outcomes over 12 years compared to those with low adherence.
– However, a 2021 randomized trial comparing plant-based and meat-containing diets in over 100 adults found no differences in memory, learning or decision-making performance between groups. Both groups showed cognitive improvements.
This research suggests overall dietary quality matters more for long-term brain health than avoiding meat alone. Focusing on getting adequate nutrition from a variety of healthy plant and animal foods seems most prudent based on current evidence.
Factors that May Influence the Meat-Intelligence Relationship
Several other factors may impact whether meat consumption affects cognitive abilities and function:
Type of Meat
– Processed meats like sausage and bacon linked to worse outcomes
– Unprocessed red meats like beef and lamb show weaker correlations
– Poultry and fish associated with neutral or beneficial effects
Cooking Methods
– High-temperature cooking and charring may form carcinogens and advanced glycation end-products linked to cognitive decline
– More gentle cooking methods like stewing may avoid these downsides
Portion Sizes
– Cognitive benefits likely require adequate intake for sufficient nutrition
– Excessive intake, especially of processed meat, may contribute to impairments
– Moderation seems best for optimal health
Overall Diet Quality
– Greatest benefits seen with high produce, fiber and anti-inflammatory fats
– Meat’s effects likely depends on substitution – replacing what foods?
Does Eating Meat Make You Smarter? Summary of Findings
In summary, current evidence on the relationship between meat eating and intelligence remains limited and inconsistent. Here is a quick overview of key findings:
– Early observational studies link meat intake during pregnancy and childhood to better cognitive development. However, confounding factors are likely involved.
– Comparisons of IQ scores in meat eaters vs. vegetarians show mixed results. Some studies show slightly higher IQ in meat eaters, while others show no differences.
– Higher intake of processed and red meat is associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia in some studies. But other studies find no link.
– Overall dietary patterns with moderate meat intake do not appear harmful for brain function compared to vegetarian diets. Both can support cognition if nutritionally adequate.
– Factors like meat type, cooking method, diet quality and moderation likely mediate meat’s effects on the brain.
Based on current evidence, moderate meat intake as part of an overall healthy diet does not appear to impair or boost intelligence or brain health. But more rigorous research is still needed for definitive conclusions. Dietary needs also differ by individual.
Conclusion
The claim that meat enhances intelligence is not strongly supported by current research. While some studies link meat, especially red meat, to poorer cognitive outcomes later in life, the evidence for differences in IQ and acute mental performance is weak and conflicting. Many factors impact brain development and function beyond a single food like meat. Getting adequate nutrition from a variety of healthy plant and animal foods throughout life appears most important for optimal cognition. Moderation with meat also seems prudent given links to chronic disease risk. But there is no conclusive evidence that completely avoiding meat will make you smarter either. More rigorous randomized controlled trials controlling for confounders are needed to determine if meat consumption directly affects intelligence and mental abilities either positively or negatively. The relationship is likely complex, depending on individual factors like genetics and gut microbiota as well as lifestyle factors beyond just diet. For now, getting sufficient exercise, sleep and mental stimulation along with a balanced, nutritious diet with adequate protein, vitamins and minerals from both plants and animals seems like the best overall approach to supporting brain health over a lifetime. But the debate over meat’s effects is likely to continue as more research emerges.