NUTRITIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE BETWEEN 2020-2025

Abstract

This systematic review analyzes recent scientific literature (2020-2025) related to nutritional factors that affect academic performance. The direct relationship between adequate nutrition and improved academic results is widely recognized in the scientific community; however, this study seeks to identify the specific nutritional elements with the greatest impact on academic performance. Fifty studies from specialized academic databases were reviewed to examine, among other aspects, the common nutritional deficiency in children and adolescents, the effects of consuming ultra-processed foods versus balanced diets, and the key role of school feeding programs. The results showed that general nutritional status (obesity, overweight, and malnutrition), eating habits, School Feeding Programs (SFPs), nutrition education, and physical activity are the main factors that influence student academic performance from a nutritional perspective. The most relevant conclusion was that nutrition is directly related to learning and that it is therefore necessary to comprehensively address existing deficiencies in this regard.