Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Development and Academic Performance During Adolescence: A Comprehensive Review

Adolescence is a vital period marked by rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Proper nutrition is crucial to meet increased physiological needs and support cognitive growth and academic performance. This review examines the relationship between adolescent nutrition and cognitive function, emphasizing dietary patterns, anthropometric assessments, and biochemical markers in shaping health and academic outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess the impact of nutritional status on adolescent cognitive function. The review explores nutritional deficiencies, dietary habits, and their neurocognitive effects, focusing on key nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D. The review also addresses the double burden of malnutrition among Sri Lankan adolescents due to rapid dietary and lifestyle transitions. Nutritional deficiencies, including protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient inadequacies, have significant effects on cognitive functions, learning, and brain health. Balanced dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with improved neurocognitive outcomes, while unhealthy dietary habits may negatively impact cognitive development. The review identifies a knowledge gap regarding the role of nutrition in Sri Lankan adolescents, emphasizing the need for targeted nutrition interventions. The review highlights the need for targeted nutrition interventions and policy measures, with schools serving as critical settings for implementation. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to establish causal relationships between nutrition and cognition. Addressing nutritional disparities, improving facility access, and integrating nutrition-focused strategies into public health policies could significantly enhance cognitive and academic outcomes for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries.