Strongest evidence yet of a link between breakfast quality and educational outcomes

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/cu-sps111615.php

Public Release: 16-Nov-2015
Study provides strongest evidence yet of a link between breakfast quality and educational outcomes
New study of 5,000 9- to 11-year-olds demonstrates significant positive associations between breakfast consumption and educational outcomes
Cardiff University

A direct and positive link between pupils' breakfast quality and consumption, and their educational attainment, has for the first time been demonstrated in a ground-breaking new study carried out by public health experts at Cardiff University.

The study of 5000 9-11 year-olds from more than 100 primary schools sought to examine the link between breakfast consumption and quality and subsequent attainment in Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessments* 6-18 months later.

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The research found that the odds of achieving an above average educational performance were up to twice as high for pupils who ate breakfast, compared with those who did not.

Eating unhealthy items like sweets and crisps for breakfast, which was reported by 1 in 5 children, had no positive impact on educational attainment.

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Alongside number of healthy breakfast items consumed for breakfast, other dietary behaviours - including number of sweets and crisps and fruit and vegetable portions consumed throughout the rest of the day - were all significantly and positively associated with educational performance.

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