Patrick Holford is a prominent nutrition and mental health author, researcher, and advocate. As the founder and CEO of the UK charity Food for the Brain, he has been at the forefront of promoting brain health through better nutrition for over four decades. Since the 1970s, Holford has raised awareness about declining IQ scores worldwide, attributing this trend to diets high in complex carbohydrates and sugars. He advocates for a diet rich in fat and essential vitamins and minerals to reverse this decline.
In recent years, mental health issues have become an increasingly pressing concern, with depression, autism, ADHD, and dementia all on the rise. According to government reports, mental health problems are now the most expensive and urgent health issue. Holford stresses the urgency of addressing this issue head-on by promoting brain food that can improve cognitive function and prevent mental health problems from developing.
One of Holford’s main concerns is the prevalence of mental health issues among children. In some parts of the UK, 50% of women take anti-depressants, which highlights just how widespread this problem is. Despite this dire situation, Holford remains determined to raise awareness about mental health through his work with Food for the Brain.
To support its mission, Food for the Brain conducted home blood tests and digital cognitive health questionnaires on thousands of participants. This helped assess their nutrition and cognitive status and provided valuable data that can be used to promote widespread change in perceptions of mental and cognitive health. For more information on Food for the Brain’s mission to improve brain function through better nutrition, listen to Nikki Hancocks’ podcast with NutraIngredients Europe editor on NutraIngredients Europe’s website.