According to a new study published in the April 2008 issue of the Journal of School Health, children with healthy diets perform better in school than children with unhealthy diets. Few research studies have examined the effect of diet quality on the academic performance of children despite how often the link has been cited. This study examined the association between overall diet quality and academic performance and revealed conclusive findings.
Researchers of the University of Alberta surveyed roughly 5,000 Canadian fifth grade students and their parents as part of the Children’s Lifestyle and School-Performance Study. The study recorded information regarding the dietary intake, height and weight of its subjects, and the Diet Quality Index-International was used to summarize overall diet quality. Less healthful diets included saturated fat and salt, while healthy diets included moderate fat intake, fruits, vegetables, grains, dietary fiber, protein and calcium.
Those students with increased intake levels of fruits and vegetables and lower caloric intake levels of fats were significantly less likely to fail the literacy assessment test. These findings demonstrated a link between diet quality and academic performance and also identified specific dietary factors that contribute to that link. Further, the research supports broader implementation and investment in effective school nutrition programs that could potentially improve student access to healthier food choices, diet quality, academic performance and, in the long run, overall health.