Patrick Holford is a well-known author, researcher, and advocate for nutrition and mental health. As the founder and CEO of UK charity Food for the Brain, he is leading the charge in promoting brain health through better nutrition. For decades, Holford has been raising awareness about declining IQ scores worldwide, blaming this trend on diets high in complex carbs and sugar. He believes that a diet rich in fats and essential vitamins and minerals is the key to reversing this decline.

Holford emphasizes the urgency of addressing mental health issues, which are now considered the most expensive and pressing health concern by government reports. He points to rising rates of depression, autism, ADHD, and dementia as evidence of this alarming trend. According to studies, there has been a 7% decrease in IQ per generation since the 1970s, indicating a significant problem that needs to be addressed.

The prevalence of mental health issues among children is particularly concerning for Holford. In some parts of the UK, 50% of women are on antidepressants, highlighting the scale of the issue. Despite these dire circumstances, Holford remains determined to bring attention to this issue through Food for the Brain and make as much noise as possible.

To support its cause, Holford’s charity has been 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, Food for the Brain aims to catalyze a widespread shift in perceptions around mental and cognitive health. To learn more about their mission, listeners can tune into a podcast with Nikki Hancocks from NutraIngredients Europe Europe Editor available now.