Trending
Demo
Health

Best foods to improve children’s attention at school

By No Comments2 Mins Read

A child’s diet can play a huge role in their academic performance, with a variety of nutrients being required to help support their brain and their ability to learn

Joyful young Asian mother and little daughter enjoying assorted traditional Chinese dim sum and dishes in a Chinese restaurant.
Some vitamins could improve your child’s attention(Image: Getty Images)

Diet can significantly influence your child’s academic performance at school, making it crucial they consume the right foods.

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) emphasises that children require a range of nutrients to support their brain function and learning capacity.

The only way to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients is by providing a balanced diet comprising various healthy foods.

However, certain nutrients are particularly important for maintaining a child’s focus at school.

Both vitamin D and omega-3 have been identified as having a substantial impact on a child’s mood and their ability to concentrate in an educational environment.

A controlled clinical trial involving 50 children with ADHD discovered that those with higher levels of vitamin D demonstrated significantly improved attention compared to those with lower levels.

Portrait of boy eating food by table. Male is having lunch at home. He is wearing blue t-shirt.
Omega-3 and vitamin D could be crucial for your child’s brain health(Image: Getty Images)

The same study concluded that vitamin D could enhance cognitive function in children with ADHD.

Similarly, a study investigating the role of omega-3 in a child’s attention found that it could improve cognitive performance in children and adolescents.

A deficiency in this nutrient could result in reduced attention levels.

Full list of foods that could improve a child’s attention

If you’re worried about your child’s attention span, you might consider incorporating more foods rich in vitamin D or omega-3 into their diet.

Common sources of both these nutrients include readily available fatty fish, certain vegetables, seeds, and nuts.

Child eating his dinner
A wide variety of foods can provide the nutrition your child needs(Image: Getty Images)

Whilst red meat can provide valuable nutrients, it’s generally advised to consume it in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat and salt.

Here are some foods you could incorporate into your child’s diet:

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Eggs
  • Mushrooms
  • Fortified cereals and milk
  • Flaxseed
  • Chia seeds
  • Soybeans
  • Walnuts
  • Canola Oil
  • Spinach
  • Brussels sprouts

The NHS also recommends that children should aim to eat five or more portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day to ensure they’re getting a suitable amount of minerals, vitamins, and fibre.

If you’re concerned about your child’s attention or diet, you should consult your GP before making any significant changes.

Share.

Related News