Navigation
Unraveling the relationship between nutritional status, cognitive function, and school performance among school-aged children in Taabo, Côte d’Ivoire: A school-based observational study
Nutritional deficiencies are pivotal factors influencing cognitive development in children. This study investigates the association between nutritional status, cognition, and academic performance among schoolchildren in Taabo, Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 252 children aged 6–12 years participated, with blood samples analyzed for nutrient biomarkers. Cognitive ability was evaluated using the Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), and academic performance was measured through mathematics and literature assessments.
The average scores obtained were 15.4 ± 4.4 for the RCPM, 6.0 ± 2.4 for mathematics, and 5.4 ± 1.8 for literature. Although most participants displayed normal nutritional status, all exhibited inadequate levels of iron, folate, thiamine, and vitamin B12. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were identified between biomarkers of iron, folate, tryptophan, calcium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids with cognitive performance. Conversely, no significant associations were observed with zinc, iodine, riboflavin, vitamin B12, or vitamin D.
Regression analysis, adjusted for sociodemographic factors, revealed calcium as a predictor of cognitive skills (R2 = 0.3, p = 0.020; 95% CI: 8.2 × 10−6−9.3 × 105) and folate as a predictor of performance in mathematics (R2 = 0.1, p = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.1–0.3) and literature (R2 = 0.1, p = 0.005; 95% CI: 0.1–0.2). The findings indicate a concerning prevalence of B vitamin and iron deficiencies among Ivorian schoolchildren, with specific nutrients correlating positively with cognitive and academic outcomes. Further research is warranted to deepen the understanding of these relationships. [NPID: nutrition, cognition, performance, children]
Year: 2025
