As early years practitioners, we hold high expectations for the children in our care. From a very young age, we expect them to:
- Sit still
- Concentrate
- Solve problems
- Stay alert
- Listen attentively
- Retain information
- Be physically active
However, when a child consistently struggles to meet these expectations, they may start to exhibit behaviours such as daydreaming, lack of focus, falling behind, or even becoming disruptive. These behaviours can lead to further disengagement from the learning environment, often resulting in the child being labelled as needing ‘behavioural support.’
As a Nutritional Therapist, I explore the connection between a child’s diet and their overall health and development. It’s essential to consider whether the type or lack of food is impacting a child’s ability to meet the demands of the school day.
The Role Of Food In Brain Development
A child’s brain is still growing rapidly, requiring a significant amount of energy to support this development. In fact, 50% of a child’s dietary energy is allocated to their brain—compared to just 25% in adults. This high energy demand underscores the importance of proper nutrition, particularly:
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Crucial for brain building, these fats are vital for intelligence, mood, and behaviour. DHA, a type of EFA, supports the frontal lobe, which aids concentration, decision-making, learning, planning, self-control, attention, and willpower. Foods rich in these fats include oily fish (especially salmon), eggs, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and seaweed.
Steady Supply of Glucose: Glucose, derived from carbohydrates, is another essential fuel for the brain. The type of carbohydrates consumed affects how quickly glucose enters the bloodstream. For example, sugary carbs provide a quick spike in energy followed by a crash, while complex carbs provide a more sustained release of energy.
The Impact Of Breakfast On Learning
Let’s consider two common breakfast scenarios and their impact on a child’s school day.
No Breakfast: With 4.3 million children living in poverty in the UK, some may arrive at school without having eaten breakfast. Given that 50% of a child’s dietary energy is needed for brain function, a hungry child is unlikely to perform well in the classroom. Instead of sitting still, concentrating, and problem-solving, they may exhibit lethargy, irritability, and difficulty in focusing. If hunger is not recognised, these behaviours could be misinterpreted as disruptive, potentially leading to disciplinary actions.
High Sugar Breakfast: A child who eats a high-sugar breakfast may initially appear alert, but the resulting spike in blood sugar is often followed by a crash, leading to fluctuating energy levels and mood swings. This can make it difficult for the child to concentrate, stay still, or solve problems. While fortified cereals provide some vitamins and minerals, the sugar content can negatively impact behaviour and learning.
Understanding The Long-Term Effects Of Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can be either short-term or long-term, and both can significantly impact a child’s behaviour. A child who occasionally skips breakfast may temporarily exhibit signs of poor concentration and irritability. However, consistent nutritional deficiencies can lead to more persistent behavioural patterns.
According to the Global Nutrition Report back in 2016, 44% of countries were experiencing obesity and malnutrition within the same populations. Unfortunately, this is increasingly the case. Our food landscape facilitates the excess consumption of overly processed foods, which do not include the essential micronutrients that are vital to our health. Many diets are largely comprised of UPFs (Ultra-Processed Foods). One in five people in the UK has a diet made up of 80% ultra-processed foods. More worryingly, 64% of children get more than half their daily calories from this group, rising to 68% in teens.
Recognising The Link Between Food And Behaviour
It’s always worth factoring in the impact that both short- and long-term nutritional deficiency can have on a child. If there is a change in behaviour or temperament, or if they seem genuinely unable to grasp new concepts or struggle to sit still, food could be the answer—but it may not be an easy solution. Healthy food is, alas, on average, three times more expensive than ultra-processed foods. It can be a difficult subject to bring up with parents, but food shouldn’t be discounted as a potential reason for what may be perceived as ‘behavioural’ issues.
Nutrition is vital to a child’s development, yet our current food landscape can make it difficult to ensure that children receive the nutrients they need. While food may not always be the sole answer to behavioural issues, it’s an essential factor to consider in supporting the overall well-being and development of the children in our care.
