Unleashing children’s potential: An evidence-based narrative review of strategies to enhance cognitive function and intelligence in school-age children

Table 3 Macronutrients, neurobiological mechanisms, cognitive domains, and dietary interventions in school-age children

Macronutrient	Key neurobiological mechanisms	Primary cognitive domains affected	Evidence-based dietary interventions
Protein (quality and distribution)	Neurotransmitter synthesis (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine); synaptic plasticity; neuromodulatory balance	Attention, EF, working memory, processing speed	Adequate daily protein intake from high-quality sources (eggs, dairy, legumes, lean meats); protein inclusion at breakfast and lunch
Essential fatty acids (omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid)	Neuronal membrane fluidity and integrity; synaptic signaling; neuroinflammation modulation; connectivity enhancement	Learning, memory, attention, executive control	Increased intake of fatty fish, omega-3-rich plant sources, and supplementation in deficient populations
Carbohydrates (glycemic load)	Brain glucose availability; insulin signaling; neurotransmitter regulation	Attention stability, working memory, processing speed	Low-moderate glycemic index meals; complex carbohydrates; avoidance of refined sugars
Dietary fats (quality)	Myelination support; lipid-mediated signaling pathways	Processing speed, EF	Replacement of trans fats with unsaturated fats; balanced fat intake
Macronutrient balance (meal composition)	Sustained energy delivery; hormonal and metabolic stability	Global cognitive performance, academic endurance	Balanced meals combining protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats
Breakfast consumption	Morning glucose availability; attentional priming	Attention, learning readiness	Regular, nutritionally balanced breakfast programs in schools

EF: Executive function.