A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
An Overview on the Associations between Health Behaviors and Brain Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Reference to Diet Quality (2020)


Naveed, S., Lakka, T., & Haapala, E. A. (2020). An Overview on the Associations between Health Behaviors and Brain Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Reference to Diet Quality. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3), Article 953. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030953


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsNaveed, Sehrish; Lakka, Timo; Haapala, Eero A.

Journal or seriesInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

ISSN1661-7827

eISSN1660-4601

Publication year2020

Volume17

Issue number3

Article number953

PublisherMDPI

Publication countrySwitzerland

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030953

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67766


Abstract

Unhealthy diet has been associated with overweight, obesity, increased cardiometabolic risk, and recently, to impaired cognition and academic performance. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the associations between health behaviors and cognition and academic achievement in children and adolescents under 18 years of age with a special reference to diet quality. Dietary patterns with a low consumption of fish, fruits, and vegetables, and high in fast food, sausages, and soft drinks have been linked to poor cognition and academic achievement. The studies on the associations between the high intake of saturated fat and red meat and low intake of fiber and high-fiber grain products with cognition are limited. The available evidence and physiological mechanisms suggest that diet may have direct, indirect, and synergistic effects on brain and cognition with physical activity, sedentary behaviors, cardiometabolic health, and sleep, but the associations have been modest. Therefore, integrating a healthy diet, physically active lifestyle, and adequate sleep may provide optimal circumstances for brain development and learning. We conclude that most of the existing literature is contained in cross-sectional studies, which therefore highlights the need for longitudinal and intervention studies on the effects of diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep on cognition and academic performance.


Keywordshealth behaviourlifestyledietsdieteticsbraincognitionlearningchildren (age groups)young people

Free keywordshealth behaviors; lifestyles; diet quality; nutrition; brain; brain health; cognition; learning; children; adolescents


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-14-02 at 17:36