Date of Award
8-1-2013
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Food and Nutrition
First Advisor
Smith, Sylvia
Second Advisor
Null, Dawn
Abstract
There is limited amount of published research on breakfast consumption in college students, and even less research examining the effects of a glycemic load breakfast on academic performance. The purpose of this study was to further understand how glycemic load affects academic performance in college students; specifically carbohydrates consumed at breakfast, such as whole grains, refined grains, and simple sugars. In addition, the study was completed to further understand how frequency of breakfast impacts Body Mass Index (BMI). A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to carry out this quantitative research design. Three hundred ninety-two Southern Illinois University college students participated. Findings indicate breakfast frequency was positively associated with GPA. In addition, BMI was not impacted by number of days per week an individual consumed breakfast. When comparing a low, medium, and high glycemic load breakfast, participants consuming a medium glycemic load breakfast were most likely to have a lower GPA.
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