Fasting and cognitive function

J Psychiatr Res. 1982;17(2):169-74. doi: 10.1016/0022-3956(82)90018-8.

Abstract

The effects of short-term fasting (skipping breakfast) on the problem-solving performance of 9 to 11 yr old children were studied under the controlled conditions of a metabolic ward. The behavioral test battery included an assessment of IQ, the Matching Familiar Figure Test and Hagen Central Incidental Test. Glucose and insulin levels were measured in blood. All assessments were made under fasting and non-fasting conditions. Skipping breakfast was found to have adverse effects on the children's late morning problem-solving performance. These findings support observations that the timing and nutrient composition of meals have acute and demonstrable effects on behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Child
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Fasting / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Intelligence
  • Male
  • Mental Recall / physiology
  • Problem Solving / physiology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin