Skin Carotenoids and Diet Quality Are Associated With Intellectual Ability Among Preschool-Aged Children

OBJECTIVES: Carotenoid status is positively associated with cognitive health among school-aged children. However, the influence of carotenoids on cognitive function in preschool-aged children is unclear. Additionally, it is not clear whether the influence of carotenoids is independent of diet quality. The objective is to investigate the relation between skin carotenoids status, diet quality, academic skills, and cognitive abilities among preschool-aged children. METHODS: Children between 4 and 5 years (N = 51) were recruited from the STRONG Kids 2 cohort study. Skin carotenoids were assessed via reflection spectroscopy (Veggie Meter). Woodcock Johnson Early Cognitive and Academic Development Test (ECAD(TM)) was utilized to assess Early Academic Skills, General Intellectual Ability, and Expressive Language. Diet quality was measured using Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) based on 7-day food records. Covariates accounted for included age, sex, weight status, and maternal level of education. RESULTS: Following adjustment of covariates, both higher HEI score (rho = 0.28, p = 0.02) and skin carotenoid status (rho = 0.31, p = 0.01) were independently and positively associated with General Intellectual Ability. The relationship between skin carotenoids and expressive language (rho = 0.19, p = 0.09) approached statistical significance and was not correlated with Early Academic Skills (rho = 0.14, p = 0.15). HEI was not associated with expressive language (rho = 0.16, p = 0.11) or Early Academic Skills (rho = 0.07, p = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Greater adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and carotenoid status were related to intellectual abilities among preschool-aged children. Given previous literature indicating a positive influence of diet quality and carotenoid status on academic achievement among older children, these findings suggest that the influence of these dietary factors on intellectual abilities might emerge earlier than academic skills. FUNDING SOURCES: Supported by the NIH, the National Dairy Council.