The Importance of Meat for Cognitive Development

Abstract

Over200 million children worldwide suffer from malnutrition and as a result areunderdeveloped both physically and mentally. Meat has more bioavailable essentialmicronutrients than plants and are the best source of nutrient-rich foods forchildren aged 6 to 23 mo according to the World Health Organization. Studies onthe role of meat on cognitive function are limited, but mostly show compellingbenefits, particularly in children. By contributing essential bioavailable micronutrientsto diets, meat consumption by children, particularly infants aged 6 to 23 months,can reduce stunting and the associated growth and cognitive impairment and therebyimprove school performance, reduce chronic disease susceptibility, increase adultearnings, and national  economicproductivity. There are, however, conflicting results in the literature on effectsof meat consumption on cognition in adult or senior subjects, particularly inexperiments with confounding factors. More large-scale randomized controlled longitudinal studies are requiredto further verify and fully understand the link between meat consumption andcognitive development.

Sustainability initiatives in inpatient psychiatry: tackling food waste

“…Therefore, we suggest that it is essential to offer psychiatric inpatients appealing food that is both nutritious and well-balanced. Animal-sourced foods may play a crucial role in cognitive development and health ( 88 ). Meta-analyses indicate that vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as abstaining from meat, are associated with poorer mental health outcomes ( 89 , 90 ).…”

The Hygienic Quality of Meat Produced in a Lgeria: Meta-Analysis

“…Fat is an important part of the diet, providing energy, and fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E [42]. The intake of meat in adequate amounts, which supplies the missing essential micronutrients, can reduce nutrition-related stunting and the consequent cognitive impairment [5].…”