A study by researchers led by Dr Gerda Pot at King’s College London has suggested that children who skip breakfast regularly may not be consuming the daily amounts of key nutrients for growth and development that are recommended by the UK government.
The British Journal for Nutrition report reveals that young people who skip breakfast could leave themselves open to severe issues with development, that could affect them later on in life. Specifically, they do not get enough iron, folate, calcium or iodine – which can leave them with low brain function and lacking in energy, among other health problems.
At school we offer a breakfast service, as well as extensive break and lunch options, but we are well aware that students leave home without having eaten and can go into lessons without having eaten since the night before.
Ian Rose, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We would urge all parents to take the time to check that their children have a good breakfast before they arrive in school. This research only flags up basic commonsense – if children do not eat in the morning then their body and mind will not have the energy to learn in their lessons. Diet and a healthy lifestyle is just as important for school as it is for all other areas of life and with both parents and ourselves pushing a clear and positive message about healthy eating then our students will grow up healthily and learn well.”
For more information about the British Journal for Nutrition report visit: http://blog.journals.cambridge.org/2017/08/17/children-who-skip-breakfast-may-not-be-getting-recommended-nutrients/
