Nutrition and Academic Performance in School-Age Children The Relation to Obesity and Food Insufficiency

Abstract

This paper analyzes multiple articles that demonstrate the effects of poor nutrition on school-age children. The research shows that having a healthy, balanced diet improves brain capacity, maximizes cognitive capabilities, and improves academic performance in school-age children. Alternatively, the research also shows that having too much junk food and an unhealthy diet decreases academic performance by limiting the amount of information to the brain. The brain is able to both retain and recall on demand. The literature also shows the danger of not having enough nutrition and the effects of food insufficiency, which can lead to malnutrition as well as poor academic performance. Overall, this research illustrates the need to aid children in maintaining a nutritious lifestyle. Whether at home or at school, there is a responsibility of the community; locally, regionally or governmentally, to afford each child an equal chance to succeed academically. Socioeconomic status has been shown to have an effect on a child academically, and this paper shows that coming from a poorer neighborhood should not decrease that child’s chances of being a well-adjusted, healthy student.