Visualisation and Motivation: How to Actually Achieve Your Goals

A Surprising Study That Sparked Controversy

In 1988, psychologist Dr. David Benton published a groundbreaking study showing that daily multivitamin and mineral supplements significantly boosted non-verbal IQ scores in 12- to 13-year-old students. Children who took supplements for eight months gained an average of 9 IQ points, while those given a placebo or nothing saw no improvement.

The media attention was huge, prompting a rush on supplements. But the excitement was short-lived—government officials and scientists quickly criticized the study, and a supplement company promoting the findings was prosecuted, putting an end to the hype.

Could Mild Deficiencies Be Holding Kids Back?

Despite the backlash, the core idea remained compelling: even small nutritional gaps might be affecting children’s brainpower. The brain depends on over 20 vitamins and minerals to function, particularly for using glucose, its main source of energy. When nutrients are lacking, the brain’s frontal lobe—key to reasoning and self-control—is often the first to suffer.

More Studies, Same Results

Follow-up studies supported Benton’s findings. Children aged 6–17 who took supplements improved their non-verbal IQ by an average of 6 to 9 points, with some gaining over 15. Verbal IQ scores stayed the same, which makes sense—verbal skills are shaped more by environment and education, while non-verbal intelligence reflects raw problem-solving ability, which is directly impacted by nutrition.

Nutrition and Behavior: A Deeper Link

American criminologist Steven Schoenthaler found even more striking results. In studies of juvenile delinquents, supplements improved non-verbal IQ, reduced violent incidents, and normalized brain activity—especially among those who were most deficient. In some cases, IQ scores jumped by more than 20 points.

So, Should Parents Be Concerned?

While no supplement can push a child beyond their natural potential, poor nutrition can absolutely keep them from reaching it. Many children in developed countries don’t get enough key nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, B1, B2, iron, zinc, and calcium. Studies show some kids consume less than 25% of recommended levels.

Dr. Benton estimates that 30–50% of children could boost their brainpower with better nutrition or supplements.

The Takeaway for Parents

If your child’s diet is high in sugar, fat, and processed foods but low in fruits and vegetables, a basic multivitamin might help. There’s no need for anything fancy—just a balanced formula designed for children aged 2–12.

It’s not about raising geniuses overnight. It’s about giving your child’s brain what it needs to thrive.