BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Preschoolers' Diet May Affect How Well They Do in School, According to Study

You are what you eat.
save article
profile picture of Stephanie Grassullo
By Stephanie Grassullo, Contributing Writer
Published April 11, 2019
preschool age child draws during craft time
Image: Shutterstock

Kids who aren’t fed nutritious food at home may have a lower performance in school, a new study suggests.

The researchers looked at how food insecurity, which they describe as the limited access to sufficient safe and nutritious food at home, impacts the learning ability of children in India. The team observed inequalities in learning achievements for kids over a span of 12 years. They then analyzed whether poor diets at home when the kids were 5, 8 and 12 years old were linked to lower test scores when they were 12.

The findings? Insufficient diets at all ages hindered learning. During at least one point over the course of the study’s period, 47 percent of the kids experienced household food insecurity, including skipping meals and eating less if needed. But 18 percent of the wealthiest families in the study also experienced food insecurity, suggesting nutritional diets don’t depend solely on financial aspects.

The data showed lower vocabulary, reading, math, local language (Telugu) and English scores during early adolescence, but the way the diets affected each of the subjects varied at different ages.

Kids who experienced food insecurity at 5 years old had the lowest scores across all subject areas. At 12 years old, early and long-lasting food insecurity appeared to be the most consistent predictor of impaired reading skills and vocabulary development.

For subjects such as reading and vocabulary, establishing foundational skills early on is very important, so food insecurity early in life may disrupt building these early skills. Math, on the other hand, is a subject that requires a person to constantly build upon previous skills. So food insecurity affects the learning ability for math at all points.

The major takeaway here is a poor diet can have a “ripple effect” for a kid’s future learning level. Based on their findings of 5-year-olds, they suggest schools offer breakfast and snacks and improve the quality of food distributed to families with preschoolers.

Getting a youngster to eat a well balanced meal isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial for their development. For inspiration, check out a few healthy foods your toddler will actually love.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mother and daughter enjoying cereal breakfast at home
FDA and HHS Announce Plan to Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler reaching for a bowl of popcorn
Can Toddlers Eat Popcorn? (and Other Common Food Questions)
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
candy in a candy shop
FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 in Food, Candy and More Over Cancer Concerns
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
candy in a candy shop
FDA Bans Red Dye No. 3 in Food, Candy and More Over Cancer Concerns
By Wyndi Kappes
mother feeding baby food to baby at home
FDA Sets Stricter Guidelines for Lead Limits in Baby Food
By Wyndi Kappes
Check Your Carrots: Bags Recalled Due to E. Coli Risk
Check Your Carrots: Bags Recalled Due to E. Coli Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
frozen waffles on plate, kodiak power cakes recall 2024
Over 40 Frozen Waffle Brands Recalled Due to Listeria Concerns
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
The McDonald's logo is displayed at a McDonald’s restaurant on October 23, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska
What Families Need to Know About the McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak
By Wyndi Kappes
mom putting baby into high chair
11 Tips for Keeping Baby Safe at Mealtime
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
apple juice recall september 2024
Apple Juice Sold at Walmart, Aldi and More Has Been Recalled
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
elementary school kids standing in lunch line
California Passes Bill Banning These Food Dyes in School Lunches
By Wyndi Kappes
perdue chicken breast tenders recall 2024
Perdue Recalls 167,000 Pounds of Chicken Nuggets and Tenders
By Wyndi Kappes
mom and baby playing in the pool on a summer day
When Can Babies Go in a Pool?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant mom and daughter using the barbecue on a summer day
10 Summer Food Rules to Follow While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of baby formula with scoop
Harmful Bacteria Found in Crecelac Goat Milk Infant Formula, FDA Says
By Wyndi Kappes
dad making peanut butter sandwich with baby at home
Early Intro of Peanut Butter Could Cut Baby's Allergy Risk by 70%
By Wyndi Kappes
opened ham and cheese lunchables on table
Consumer Reports Urges USDA to Remove Lunchables From School Lunches
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
mcdonalds happy meal for kids
These Are the Healthiest Fast Food Kid’s Meals, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
trader joes chicken soup dumplings recall 2024
This Family-Favorite Trader Joe's Item Has Been Recalled
By Wyndi Kappes
quaker oats recall 2024
Quaker Issues Recall of Various Products Due to Salmonella Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.