The effects of nutrition on behavior and learning : a case study

Includes bibliographical references (pages 172-181)The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nutritional therapy on learning and behavioral problems. This study was undertaken to ascertain if the use of this approach could be of significance in educational therapy.\ud The research hypothesis for this study was that nutritional therapy is an effective treatment for increasing learning potential. The case study employed testing prior to nutritional therapy and educational intervention and post-testing at the end of the study. Nutritional needs were assessed by a physician specializing in metabolic nutrition.\ud Available literature was reviewed and information was compiled on the historical background of nutritional therapy, malnutrition in the United States, aspects of orthomolecular medicine, metabolic difficulties, allergy and hyperkinesis. Sample case studies were also cited.\ud Findings supported the hypothesis that nutritional therapy can help to increase learning potential and ameliorate behavioral difficulties. It was concluded that educational and nutritional therapy for the subject should be continued in order that he may attain maximum learning potential.\ud Recommendations included: (1) re-evaluation of federally subsidized school meal programs in terms of nutritional balance, (2) elimination of refined carbohydrate foods from school facilities, (3) institution of nutritional education programs in schools, and (4) the establishment of professional liaison between orthomolecular physicians and educators