food science pro article analysis

7/31/2019 Food Science Pro Article Analysis

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Running head: PROFESSIONAL ARTICLE ANALYSIS - DIET QUALITY AND 1

Professional Article Analysis - Diet Quality and Academic Performance

Steve Klasnic

Seton Hill University


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PROFESSIONAL ARTICLE ANALYSIS - DIET QUALITY AND 2

Required information

1. Florence, M. D., Asbridge, M., & Veugelers, P. J. (2008). Diet quality and academicperformance.Journal of School Health, 78, 209-214. doi: 10.1111/j.1746-

1561.2008.00288.x

2. Zhang, W., Li, P., Hu, X., Zhang, F., Chen, J., & Gao, Y. (2011). Omega-3 polyunsaturatedfatty acids in the brain: metabolism and neuroprotection.Frontiers In Bioscience: A

Journal And Virtual Library.

Yu, H., Bi, Y., Ma, W., He, L., Yuan, L., Feng, J., & Xiao, R. (2010). Long-term effects of

high lipid and high energy diet on serum lipid, brain fatty acid composition, and memoryand learning ability in mice.International Journal Of Developmental Neuroscience: The

Official Journal Of The International Society For Developmental Neuroscience, 28, 271-

276.

3. This article was chosen based on an interest in the manner in which nutrition can aid inbettering academic performance. This interest in improving academic performance is dual-

faceted, from the perspective of a current student as well as a future educator.

4. The target audience for the article is professionals who have direct impact on the generalnutrition of school-aged children.

5. The target audience for the Journal of School Health is professionals who impact the health

and well-being of school-aged children.6. Michelle D. Florence is a graduate student at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada

who currently holds a MS in Community Health. Mark Asbridge is an associate professor at

Dalhousie University who currently holds a PhD in Community Health. Paul J. Veugelers is atenured professor at Dalhousie University who holds a PhD in Public Health.

7. The article relates directly to both Food Science and the Dietetics and Nutrition major. The

article details methods of dietetic change that could potentially enhance quality of academic

performance.8. a. Micronutrients- dietary minerals needed by the human body in very small quantities,

(generally less than 100mg/day), as opposed to macronutrients which are required in larger

quantities.

b. Empty calorie foods- foods high in calories, but low in nutritional value.c. Malnutrition- condition that occurs when the body does not intake the proper amount of

nutrients.

d. Diet Quality Index- provides an effective tool for cross-national comparison of diet quality.e. Dichotomous variable- variable that categorizes data into two groups such as obese vs not

obese

f. Diet adequacy - diet that supports nutritional needs and should feature diverse foods, few

restrictions, portion control and exercise.

g. Food frequency questionnaire - a common method used to assess individual long-term

dietary intake of foods and nutrients.

9. The main weakness of this article is failure to delve deep enough into the topic, thus disabling

the provision of a thorough learning experience.

10. The main strengths of this article are that it is organized, presents valid points, and is easily

able to be understood by the target audience.


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PROFESSIONAL ARTICLE ANALYSIS - DIET QUALITY AND 3

Summary

Literacy suffers in fifth grade school children affected by poor nutrition, according to

research conducted in this article. The researchers compared literacy test scores of 5,200 Nova

Scotia, Canada, students to their height, weight, demographics and diet. Nutritional quality for

each student was assessed on the widely accepted Diet Quality Index International scale. The

Elementary Literacy Assessment was then used to assess academic performance. This included

having students read a variety of materials and answer written questions based on the texts.

Fruit and vegetable consumption as well as dietary fat intake were found to play an

important role in children's academic performance, highlighting the need for balanced diets at an

early age. Using a food frequency questionnaire, the researchers calculated each student's intake

of foods from recommended food groups as well as energy and nutrient intakes.

The results of the study documented a direct correlation between poor nutrition and poor

literacy. They found that students reporting increased diet quality were significantly less likely to

fail the literacy assessment. In particular, students with an increased fruit and vegetable intake

and lower caloric intake of fat were significantly less likely to fail the assessment. Dietary fat

intake was demonstrated as important to academic performance. The effect was stronger for boys

than girls, and for poor children than for wealthy children.

The findings of this study are just one more reason to improve children's diets both at

home, and at school. Not only will improved diet provide a healthier future for children

physically, but it will also provide a better future academically.

food science pro article analysis

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