Impacto de la alimentación en el rendimiento académico

Introduction: Nutrition is a determining factor in cognitive development and students’ aca-demic performance. A balanced diet enhances memory, concentration, and learning ability, while a poor diet can negatively impact these functions.Objective: The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between eating habits and academic performance among students in Guayas province, Ecuador, to highlight the im-portance of a balanced diet in school performance.Methodology: A quantitative study with a descriptive-correlational design was conducted. Data collection was carried out through surveys administered to secondary-level students, inquiring about their eating habits and academic performance. Statistical techniques were used to ana-lyze the correlation between these variables.Results: The results indicated that students with a balanced diet achieved higher grades and demonstrated greater attention levels in class. Additionally, skipping breakfast and frequently consuming ultra-processed foods were associated with lower academicperformance.Discussion: These findings align with previous studies that have demonstrated the positive in-fluence of proper nutrition on cognitive functions. It was found that students with a nutrient-rich diet exhibited better concentration and memory capacity compared to those with un-healthy eating habits.Conclusions: It is concluded that nutrition plays a crucial role in academic performance, em-phasizing the need for the implementation of nutritional education programs in schools. Future studies could examine the long-term impact of nutritional interventions on academic performance.