The effects of nuts intake on cognitive and executive function in obese children: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is a significant, worldwide challenge disrupting various body organs including the brain. Studies suggest that nuts, rich in nutritional compounds, can improve cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of consuming nuts on improving cognitive and executive function in obese children. Methods In this randomized parallel clinical trial, ninety 8 to 10-year-old girls with obesity were divided into intervention (30 g of nuts/daily) and control groups (no nuts) for 8 weeks. Furthermore, the Wechsler Four (WISC-IV) questionnaire assessed children’s cognitive function, and executive function was assessed by the behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF) parental questionnaire. Linear mixed-effect models were done to survey the effects of nut intake on cognitive and executive function. Results Forty people with a mean age of 9 ± 0.7 years from each group cooperated to the end of the study. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the total Wechsler score (differences: 23.1, 95% CI: 17.5, 28.7; PTime×Group < 0.001) and total BRIEF score (differences: − 16.5, 95% CI: − 29.4, − 3.5; PTime×Group < 0.05) compared to the control group. Moreover, other components of the Wechsler and BRIEF tests including picture completion, picture concept, block design, object assembly, short-term memory, digit span, inhibition, displacement, initiation, and organization were significantly improved in the nuts group compared to the control group after the 8th weeks. Conclusion These results underline the potential of nut consumption as a dietary intervention to improve cognitive function over an eight-week period, highlighting its role in supporting brain health and cognitive development of obese children.