Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.T019
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, T019 (2022)
Impact of nutrition on learning ability of children and adolescents
Dominika Kwaśny1*, Barbara Borczak1, Joanna Kapusta-Duch1, Patrycja Brączek1
1 Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
* Corresponding author: dominika.kwasny@student.urk.edu.pl
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diet of children and adolescents in relation to the consumption of food ingredients, in particular those affecting memory, concentration and school results, and to compare the obtained results with current recommendations and dietary standards. The research hypothesis assumed that nutrition has a significant impact on learning ability of children and adolescents. A questionnaire was created and used in the research. The included questions concerned the diet of children and adolescents, nutritional habits, the number of meals consumed, the amount and frequency of consuming selected groups of food products. The research was performed on a group of 140 children and adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. 57% of them were female and 43% male. 70% of the sample were of regular weight, 21% were overweight and the remaining 9% were underweight. 18% encountered a great difficulty with acquiring new information, 26% usually faced problems with concentration, 18% needed more time to study compared to their peers and 14% of the sample assessed their school tests’ marks as unsatisfactory. Research has shown that eating habits and nutritional mistakes among children and adolescents influence their memory capacity, the ability of concentration, and general school performance. Moreover, nutrition of children and adolescents differed from the current recommendations and norms. Frequent consumption of fast foods, insufficient supply of nuts and seeds contributed to the decrease of ability to concentrate. Skipping breakfast and eating unsubstantial meals were associated with difficulties with acquiring new information. In conclusion, the data reflects that nutrition considerably influences learning ability of children and adolescents.
How to cite
D. Kwaśny, B. Borczak, J. Kapusta-Duch, P. Brączek, 2022. Impact of nutrition on learning ability of children and adolescents. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/T019