Researchers in Ivory Coast studied 252 schoolchildren to understand why some kids do better in school than others. They discovered that children who didn’t have enough iron, folate, and B vitamins in their blood performed worse on thinking tests and got lower grades in math and reading. Even though most kids looked healthy on the outside, blood tests showed they were missing important nutrients their brains needed to work well. This research suggests that fixing these nutritional gaps could help kids think better and do better in school.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether children who don’t get enough vitamins and minerals in their diet have trouble thinking clearly and doing well in school
  • Who participated: 252 children between ages 6 and 12 from schools in Taabo, Ivory Coast. Most appeared healthy, but blood tests showed they were missing important nutrients
  • Key finding: Children with low levels of iron and folate (a B vitamin) scored lower on thinking tests and got worse grades in math and reading. The connection was especially strong for iron and folate
  • What it means for you: If a child in your life struggles in school, low nutrition might be part of the problem. Getting enough iron and B vitamins through food or supplements may help improve thinking and school performance, though more research is needed to confirm this

The Research Details

Scientists in Ivory Coast recruited 252 schoolchildren and collected information about them all at one point in time (called a cross-sectional study). They took blood samples from each child to measure levels of important nutrients like iron, folate, thiamine, and vitamin B12. They tested how well each child could think using a special puzzle test called Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices, which measures how kids solve problems. Finally, they looked at each child’s actual grades in math and reading from school.

This approach is like taking a snapshot of all the children at one moment rather than following them over time. The researchers then looked for patterns—did kids with lower nutrient levels also have lower thinking test scores and worse grades?

This type of study is important because it can show us whether two things are connected (like low iron and poor school performance). While it can’t prove that low iron causes poor grades, it can point researchers toward what to study next. Understanding these connections helps doctors and teachers know what might be holding kids back from learning

The study measured actual nutrient levels in blood, which is more reliable than just asking kids what they eat. The researchers used a well-known thinking test (Raven’s test) that’s used worldwide. However, because this was a snapshot study done at one time, we can’t be completely sure that low nutrients cause poor thinking—only that they seem connected. The study was done in one region of Ivory Coast, so results might be different in other places

What the Results Show

The children in this study had average thinking test scores of 15.4 out of 36, math grades of 6.0 out of 10, and reading grades of 5.4 out of 10. These scores were lower than what researchers would expect for healthy, well-nourished children.

When scientists looked at nutrient levels, they found something striking: every single child had low levels of iron, folate, thiamine, and vitamin B12 in their blood. This was true even though most kids looked healthy and had normal body weight.

The strongest connections appeared between nutrient levels and thinking ability. Children with higher iron levels did better on the thinking test. Children with more folate (a B vitamin) did better in both math and reading. The connection was strong enough that researchers could predict a child’s school performance by knowing their nutrient levels.

Other nutrients like tryptophan, calcium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids also showed connections to thinking and school performance, though these were weaker than the iron and folate connections.

The study found that multiple nutrients were connected to how well kids performed in school. Iron showed the strongest connection to thinking ability overall. Folate was particularly important for both math and reading performance. The fact that ALL children had low B vitamin and iron levels suggests this is a widespread problem in this region, not just affecting a few kids

Previous research around the world has shown that poor nutrition affects brain development and learning. This study confirms those findings in an African setting and identifies specific nutrients that seem most important. It adds to growing evidence that B vitamins and iron are especially critical for children’s thinking and school success

This study only looked at children in one area of Ivory Coast, so we don’t know if the same patterns would appear in other countries or regions. Because researchers measured everything at one time, they can’t prove that low nutrients cause poor school performance—only that they’re connected. The study didn’t look at other factors that might affect school performance, like sleep, stress, or teaching quality. We also don’t know if giving these children supplements would actually improve their grades

The Bottom Line

Children should eat foods rich in iron (red meat, beans, leafy greens), folate (leafy greens, beans, fortified grains), and other B vitamins (eggs, dairy, whole grains). If a child is struggling in school and nutrition is suspected as a factor, a doctor should check nutrient levels through blood tests. In regions where deficiencies are common, food fortification or supplements may help. (Confidence: Moderate—the connection is clear, but we need more research to prove supplements will improve grades)

Parents and teachers of school-aged children, especially in developing countries where nutrition is limited. Healthcare workers and public health officials in regions with high rates of malnutrition. Anyone concerned about a child’s school performance should consider nutrition as one possible factor. This is less relevant for children in wealthy countries with abundant food access, though some children there may still have nutritional gaps

Improving nutrition takes time. It typically takes several weeks to months to build up nutrient levels in the body. Improvements in thinking and school performance might take 2-3 months or longer to become noticeable, as the brain adjusts and children have time to apply better thinking skills in school

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily intake of iron-rich foods (servings of red meat, beans, or leafy greens) and B vitamin sources (eggs, dairy, whole grains). Set a goal of 5-7 servings per week of iron-rich foods and daily B vitamin sources. Monitor school grades or test scores monthly to see if nutrition improvements correlate with academic improvements
  • Use the app to create a weekly meal plan that includes iron and folate-rich foods. Set reminders to eat foods like beans, spinach, eggs, and fortified cereals. If supplements are recommended by a doctor, use the app to track daily supplement intake and any changes in energy, focus, or school performance
  • Track nutrient-rich food intake weekly and compare it to school performance metrics monthly. If possible, work with a healthcare provider to recheck blood nutrient levels every 2-3 months. Note any changes in child’s energy levels, concentration, or grades. Create a simple chart showing the connection between better nutrition and school performance over time

This research shows a connection between nutrient levels and school performance but does not prove that low nutrients cause poor grades. Results are from one region in Ivory Coast and may not apply to all children everywhere. Before starting any supplements or making major dietary changes for a child, consult with a healthcare provider who can assess the individual child’s needs through proper testing. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about a child’s nutrition or school performance, speak with a doctor or registered dietitian