The Role Of Nutrition In Early Childhood Development And Its Impact On Educational Outcomes

Abstract

Nutrition is a cornerstone of early childhood development, influencing cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional growth, and shaping long-term educational outcomes. This systematic review, based on 45 peer-reviewed studies, follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to examine the impact of nutritional interventions on educational metrics in children aged 0–8 years. The findings reveal that micronutrient supplementation, particularly iron, iodine, and zinc, significantly enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. School meal programs demonstrate dual benefits by improving nutritional intake and academic performance, particularly in marginalized communities. Longitudinal studies highlight the enduring effects of early nutritional interventions, showing improvements in educational attainment and socio-economic mobility. However, socio-economic determinants, such as household income, parental education, and food security, continue to perpetuate disparities in nutritional access and educational opportunities. The review also identifies significant challenges in implementing and sustaining nutritional policies, including logistical barriers and funding constraints, while highlighting innovative solutions such as technology-driven interventions and community-based approaches. This study underscores the necessity of integrating nutrition-focused programs with educational and socio-economic policies to address systemic inequalities and improve outcomes for children globally. Future research should explore the intergenerational impacts of nutritional interventions and leverage technological advancements for scalable and sustainable solutions.