How does nutrition influence cognitive performance in early adulthood, and name two nutrients associated with brain health.

• A. Nutrition has no effect on cognitive performance; omega-3 fatty acids are not linked to brain health.
• B. Regular physical activity, not nutrition, determines cognition; omega-3 fatty acids and iron have no effect.
• C. Adequate nutrition supports attention and memory; omega-3 fatty acids and iron.
• D. Only sleep affects cognition; nutrition does not.

Answer: (C)

Nutrition provides the brain with energy and the building blocks it needs for signaling, membranes, and myelin. In early adulthood, tasks that require attention and working memory rely on efficient neurotransmission and steady energy supply, so having adequate nutrition supports better focus, processing speed, and memory function. Two nutrients strongly linked to brain health are omega-3 fatty acids and iron. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are core components of neuronal membranes and support synaptic function and plasticity, aiding learning and memory. Iron is essential for oxygen delivery to brain tissue and for enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and energy metabolism; iron deficiency can lead to slower processing and poorer attention. So, the idea that adequate nutrition supports attention and memory, with omega-3 fatty acids and iron as key nutrients, best captures how nutrition influences cognitive performance.