Research programme
Current evidence on the effect of diet on mental performance (MP) is largely based on animal, retrospective studies, and short-term nutritional intervention studies in humans. NUTRIMENTHE will significantly improve this knowledge through studying the role, mechanisms, risks and benefits of specific nutrients and food components to respond to specific needs and improve the MP of children. The research will include quantification of the nutrient effects of early programming on later cognitive and mental disorders, effects of food on mental state and MP such as mood, activation, attention, motivation, effort, perception, memory and intelligence and the effects of food on mental illness.
The NUTRIMENTHE research project will significantly improve our understanding and knowledge of the effect of diet on mental performance. The project aims to:
- Establish a team of leading international scientists (including paediatricians, neuropsychologists and nutritionists), industrial partners and experts on consumer engagement and economics
- Undertake epidemiologic studies to analyse the long-term effects of pre and early postnatal diet on mental performance and mental illness in children.
- Follow up randomised clinical intervention trials of specific nutrients introduced during pregnancy, infancy and childhood
- Assess quantitative requirements of n-3 Long Chain - Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC-PUFAs) in children with restricted diets
- Undertake a quantitative assessment of the interaction between nutrition and genetic variation with regards to mental performance
- Develop a standard neuropsychological battery for the assessment of mental performance of children in Europe
- Develop consistent and clear pan-European dietary recommendations for pregnant women, infants and children
- Increase the knowledge and awareness across Europe of parents, health professionals, teachers and food producers on how diet influences mental performance and associated health claims
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