Studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other organizations have found that a child's poor eating habits could lead to a variety problems with energy, focus, mood and concentration, as well as directly impair that child's capacity to learn. Medical experts also associate undernourishment with reduced activity levels, social interactions and curiosity. In addition, undernourished children have been found to experience difficulty fighting off infections, causing them to fall ill more frequently, miss more days of class and struggle harder to catch up with the rest of the class.
Deficiencies
Iron is instrumental to proper brain function, with nerve impulses slowing for lack of sufficient iron. Research published in the Journal of School Health reveals that children with iron deficiencies significant enough to cause anemia, a condition affecting 53 percent of school children, are at an academic disadvantage and that their cognitive performance appears to improve following iron therapy. Iodine deficiencies in early years have similarly been associated with poor cognition and school achievement. Also considered vital for academic success is an adequate daily supply of proteins, complex carbohydrates and calcium.
Excesses
Too many fats and sugars in a child's diet can negatively affect behavior in school, particularly those behaviors most beneficial for academic success, such as mood, focus and energy levels. As well, an excess of fats and sugars can cause childhood obesity, which research has also associated with academic difficulties, in part by promoting sleep disorders affecting attention. To help maintain adequate blood sugar levels to support academic achievement, natural sugars, such as those found in fruits, are a healthier alternative to refined sugars, such as those found in many juice beverages and breakfast cereals.
Breakfast
School breakfast programs appear to both decrease student lateness and improve class attendance rates, according to the Journal of School Health. School breakfast programs also appear to improve cognitive functioning, student behavior and academic performance, particularly in extremely undernourished groups. The Food Research Action Center reports that going without breakfast and then later feeling hungry impedes a child's ability to learn, and that breakfast can both improve a child's overall diet and may reduce risk of obesity.
During Pregnancy And Early Years
The need for proper nutrition for successful academic performance appears to start before birth. Research reveals that a mother's inadequate nutrition can impair the future academic abilities of her unborn child. Children born with a low-birth weight are likelier to experience a poorer attention span in their school years and impaired cognitive performance. Studies also associate breast-feeding with higher IQ and cognitive development.
Help For Parents And Caregivers
Parents and child-care providers can refer to the Child and Adult Care Food Program meal guidelines for guidance in preparing healthier meals for children that are more supportive of academic success. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released by the USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, includes an assortment of fun educational materials for helping preschoolers ages 2 to 5 years and kids ages 6 to 11 years understand and participate in their own nutritional development.
References
- University Of Minnesota Department Of Applied Economics: Nutrition And Education
- Journal of School Health: "Nutrition And Student Performance At School"
- National Food Service Management Institute: Nutrition And Cognitive Development
- California Action for Healthy Kids: "The Role Of Sound Nutrition And Physical Activity In Academic Achievement"
- PreventDisease.com: Childhood Obesity Affects School Performance
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