Dietary inflammatory index and academic performance in children

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe main aim of the present study was to examine the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and academic performance in children.DesignSchool-based cross-sectional study. The DII was calculated based on dietary information obtained from a single 24h dietary recall. Academic performance was assessed by school records provided by the administrative services (i.e. Maths and Language).SettingPorto area (Portugal).SubjectsA total of 524 children (277 girls) aged 11·56 (sd 0·86) years.ResultsThe DII was associated with academic indicators (standardized β values ranging from −0·121 to −0·087; all P<0·05). Significant differences were found between quartiles of the DII (P<0·05); children in the fourth quartile had significantly lower scores in all academic indicators compared with children in the first quartile (score differences ranging from −0·377 to −0·292) after adjustment for potential confounders.ConclusionsThe inflammatory potential of diet may negatively influence academic performance. Children should avoid the consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet and adhere to a more anti-inflammatory diet to achieve academic benefits.