Nutritional intelligence theory dates back nearly a century, but continues today of interest to some scientists. Certain species of wild and domestic animals adapt their diet in order to make up for deficiencies. However, this may also be the case in humans.
Quite convincing recent discoveries
In July 2022, the British channel BBC published an article regarding a rather unusual subject: nutritional intelligence. This phenomenon is related to subconscious cravings for certain foods in order to compensate for a deficiency in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. In the 1930s, researcher Clara Davis conducted a study on this alleged nutritional intelligence. She had then brought together several young children for whom healthy food was non-existent at home and offered them regarding thirty different foods. According to the scientist, children have instinctively chosen nutrient-dense foods. Jeff Brunstrom, professor of experimental psychology at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom), returned to this study, the results of which had never been questioned since. He felt that the study methodology was quite unclear and that the children may have only had the choice between healthy foods.
In 2017, Jeff Brunstrom became very curious regarding the subject following meeting journalist Mark Schatzker at a conference. This dealt with the ability of certain animal and domestic species to cope with nutritional deficiencies. by naturally adapting their diet. Since Mark Schatzker believed that humans also have this ability, Jeff Brunstrom offered to conduct a scientific study to find out. This was published in the journal Appetite July 1, 2022. Volunteers were offered photos of fruits and vegetables in different combinations. However, these have each time chosen the best option in terms of nutrients. For Jeff Brunstrom, it is a small effect, but it is reliable.
Some degree of nutritional intelligence
Jeff Brunstrom also participated in another study published this time in l’American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on April 39, 2022. This work included already existing data concerning regarding twenty volunteers who had the choice between several meals with different caloric intakes. According to the researchers, science has long believed that humans unconsciously consume energy-dense meals. Yet, this study and the other research mentioned above point to a certain degree of nutritional intelligence. This allows humans toadjust the amounts they eatespecially when it comes to energy-dense foods.
Nevertheless, if such nutritional intelligence really exists, many questions remain unanswered. For example, how to explain that some people still suffer from nutritional deficiencies? Why do some countries face true epidemics of obesity ? In the more or less near future, studies on nutritional intelligence will thus aim to understand how it impacts individual differences in health.