Dietary fat intake is associated with psychosocial and cognitive functioning of school-aged children in the United States

Year Published: 2005

Journal

J Nutr

Authors

Zhang, Jiang; Herbert, James; Muldoon, Matthew

Methods

This study was based on a cross-sectional data analysis from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey, 1988-1994. The aim of the study was to examine if dietary fat intake is associted with cognitive and psychosocial functioning in children.

Key Findings

Key Findings: A high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids contributed to improved cognition, while a high intake of cholesterol resulted in lower performace. The authors concluded that replacing cholesterol with polyunsaturated fats in the diet may be beneficial. Peanuts contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats.