Influence of Breakfast Consumption on Academic Performance among Students

Abstract

Breakfast can be a vital source of energy and nutrition for students following the fasting period throughout the night. The literature on studies carried out in children and young people indicates that eating breakfast can help improve attention, memory, executive functions, and other cognitive functions, especially in the morning (Adolphus et al., 2016). Consistent intake of breakfast meals has also been linked to the consumption of better diets and improved educational results among some populations. Nevertheless, the impact of breakfast on academic success is rather complex and may depend on many factors, such as socioeconomic position, nutritional state, family conditions, and others (Adolphus et al., 2013; Lundqvist et al., 2019). Eating breakfast irregularly has been found to be correlated in some studies with worse academic performance and higher psychological distress in adolescents. At the same time, such links do not imply a cause-and-effect relationship (Lien, 2007). Thus, promoting breakfast consisting of whole grains or other complex carbohydrates, proteins, fruits/vegetables, and fats is beneficial for improving nutritional status and preparation for studying.