Fact Check: Does consuming apples regularly during pregnancy enhance a child's intelligence?

A post on Instagram claims that consuming apples regularly during pregnancy enhance a child's intelligence.

Claim

A post by an Instagram user claims that consuming apples regularly during pregnancy enhance a child's intelligence. The post by user yourskin.expert says that just Eating one Apple without peel Daily During pregnancy makes your child more intelligent, helps to grow fetus healthy, improves digestion and also helps in maintaining weight. The user also says that do not eat after sunset identify the claims in the text. The post has 6,085 likes and can be accessed here.

Nutritional Benefits Of Apples

Apples are a nutritious fruit packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which provide numerous health benefits. The high fiber content promotes digestive health, while essential vitamins and minerals contribute to overall well-being. Apples are also rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals that can accumulate due to environmental factors or natural body processes. By reducing oxidative stress, apples may help prevent cell damage. 

About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the period during which a fetus develops in a woman's uterus, typically lasting around 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters. It begins with conception, when a sperm fertilizes an egg, forming a zygote that implants in the uterine wall. In the second trimester (week 13-28), movement can be felt by week 20, and the fetus has developed fingerprints by week 24. By week 28, the survival rate for premature infants is 92%, though complications may occur. In the third trimester (weeks 29-40), bones are nearly fully formed by week 32, and full-term infants, born between weeks 39 and 40, have better health outcomes compared to those born earlier or later. Infants born between weeks 37-38 are "early term," while those born after week 42 are considered post-term.

Does consuming apples regularly during pregnancy enhance a child's intelligence?

Although apples are nutritious and rich in vitamins and minerals, and maternal nutrition is crucial for fetal development, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that regularly eating apples during pregnancy enhances a child's intelligence.

A study by Wang Fleischhacker et. al. highlighted the importance of a nutritious diet during pregnancy for a baby’s growth and development, including organ formation, healthy birth weight, and minimizing developmental risks. Conversely, poor maternal nutrition may elevate the child's future risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

A cohort study published in The BMJ found that eating apples during pregnancy may protect children from wheezing and asthma. The protective effect of apples is thought to be linked to their flavonoid content, known for antioxidant properties.

Medical Dialogues Fact Check team Spoke with Dr Smriti Uppal, MBBS, MD, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Smriti Maternity Home, Delhi and she said"Apples are a great addition to a healthy diet during pregnancy, offering essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, the claim that eating apples specifically enhances a child’s intelligence is not supported by scientific evidence. A child’s intelligence is influenced by a complex combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and overall nutrition throughout pregnancy. What’s more important than focusing on a single food item is ensuring a well-balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrients. These include folic acid, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vital vitamins and minerals, which contribute to the overall growth and development of the baby, including brain development. Instead of expecting one fruit to boost intelligence, it's about eating a mix of healthy foods to give your baby the best start in life. That said, apples are a great snack for expectant mothers because they help with digestion and provide a good source of vitamin C. But when it comes to your baby’s intelligence, focusing on a nutrient-rich diet as a whole and creating a nurturing environment are key factors that will have a far greater impact."

Dr Pallavi Gupta, Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Hospital further explained “As much as we love apples for their nutritional benefits, there’s no direct evidence that eating them during pregnancy will boost a child’s intelligence. Intelligence is a complex trait influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, early childhood stimulation, and overall maternal health during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a balanced diet is more important than focusing on one particular food. Nutrients like folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron play a critical role in the brain development of the fetus. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins, helping to keep the mother healthy, but no single food can claim to enhance cognitive abilities in a child. That said, proper nutrition is certainly vital for a baby’s growth and development, and apples can be a healthy part of that diet. It’s equally important for parents to provide a stimulating environment for their child’s cognitive development after birth through interaction, learning, and play. Rather than relying on specific foods, building a healthy, loving environment will have the most profound impact on a child’s intelligence and future development."

Medical Dialogues Final Take 

A well-balanced maternal diet is crucial for healthy fetal growth and development, while poor nutrition can increase the child’s risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases later in life. However, despite apples being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that eating apples during pregnancy enhances a child's intelligence.

Therefore, the claim that consuming apples regularly during pregnancy enhances a child's intelligence is FALSE.