000864 Study: Kids Need Meat to Avoid Learning Impairment

Bethesda, MD - Many school-aged children find it difficult to understand and do everyday things that other children their age can do. Impaired learning ability is often attributed to genetic or environmental factors and treated with medication and behavior modification; however, a study published in this month's American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that in some children, learning ability may be related to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is found naturally in foods of animal origin, including dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry. Seaweed contains minute amounts of vitamin B12.

Researchers at Wageningen Agricultural University in the Netherlands evaluated 48 children 10 to 16 years of age who consumed a macrobiotic diet (primarily cereals, beans, peas, and other vegetables with no dairy products or meat) until 6 years of age, and then began normal intake of meat, dairy products, or both. Children of similar age who had consumed meat throughout childhood served as a control group. Blood samples were drawn to measure levels of various biochemical substances and standard tests were administered to measure ability to reason, solve complex problems, and process abstract thoughts. The results showed that children who consumed macrobiotic diets in early childhood scored lower and had lower vitamin B12 serum levels than children who consumed meat and dairy products throughout childhood.

Says senior author Wija A. Van Staveren, “Our study showed that, unless children have adequate intake of vitamin B12 during early childhood, cognitive problems may occur regardless of moderate vitamin B12 intake in later years.”

Although this study evaluated children who consumed macrobiotic diets until age 6, impaired learning ability can occur in any child who avoids animal products due to medical reasons, beliefs, poverty, or picky-eating habits.

This media release is provided by The American Society for Nutritional Sciences and The American Society for Clinical Nutrition and is intended to provide current information on health and nutrition related research. This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult your doctor.

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