An Overview on the Associations between Health Behaviors and Brain Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Reference to Diet Quality

This review examines how diet, physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior influence brain development, cognition, and academic performance in children and adolescents. It highlights that poor diet quality—low in fruits, vegetables, and fish, and high in processed foods—is linked to reduced cognitive function. sleep and physical activity positively affect memory, attention, and academic performance. However, most evidence is from cross-sectional studies, emphasizing the need for longitudinal research to better understand these relationships.

Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s, alongside regular physical activity and consistent sleep schedules. These changes can support brain health and learning, particularly for children at nutritional or cognitive risk. Results should be considered cautiously due to the limited strength of existing evidence.