Literature review: nutritional factors influencing academic achievement in school age children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adolescence is a transition period involving tremendous physical, psychological and cognitive growth. For appropriate growth of adolescents in these aspects, a correct quantity and quality of nourishment is required, as a lack of such nourishment among adolescents can lead to various degrees of malnutrition, which may have implications on their health as well as their academic achievements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review examines the research topics around factors that influence the nutritional status of adolescent students which can affect their academic performance. RESULTS: Some of the vital factors include knowledge and attitude about nutrition, eating behaviour, physical activity, socio-economic status of the family, the surrounding environment at school and home, the frequency and timing of meals, nutritional contents and amount of food intake. CONCLUSION: Students who consume a balanced diet perform better in exams, show better behaviour as well as attendance at school and get their assigned tasks done more thoroughly compared with those who do not consume a balanced diet.