Effects of fruits and vegetables on cognitive function in children

Neurobehavioral Effects of Increased Fruit and Vegetable Intake on Cognition, Mood, and Attention in 8-10-Year-Old Children from Shanghai: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Fudan University · NCT06560359

This study is testing if giving kids aged 8-10 more fruits and vegetables in their diet can help them think better, feel happier, and pay more attention.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment280 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorFudan University (other)
Locations1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT06560359 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates how increasing fruit and vegetable intake affects cognitive performance, mood, and attention in children aged 8-10 years in Shanghai. Participants will receive a daily healthy breakfast that includes fruits and vegetables, along with a weekly fruit box. The study will involve a 2-week lead-in, a 12-week intervention, and a 4-week follow-up period, targeting 280 children from selected schools. Cognitive improvements will be measured using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), while secondary outcomes will assess mood, attention, and dietary behaviors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8-10 years who are enrolled in participating schools and can consume the provided meals.

Not a fit: Children with known allergies to the provided fruits and vegetables or diagnosed psychological or gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence that increased fruit and vegetable consumption improves cognitive function and mood in children.

How similar studies have performed: While there is some evidence supporting the benefits of dietary interventions on cognitive function, this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 8-10 years.
* Participants must be students enrolled in the selected schools participating in the study.
* Willingness and ability to consume the provided daily breakfast, including one piece of fruit and one piece of vegetable.
* Parents or legal guardians must provide informed consent for participation.
* Balanced preliminary investigation outcomes, especially regarding behaviors related to fruit and vegetable intake, socioeconomic status (SES), and absence of diagnosed diseases that could impact the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known allergies to any fruits, vegetables, or other foods provided in the intervention.
* Diagnosed psychological disorders, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, or other conditions that might interfere with cognitive assessments or the ability to participate in the study.
* Children currently participating in other dietary or cognitive intervention studies.
* Inability or unwillingness to comply with study protocols, including dietary requirements and sample collection.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cognitive Function, Mood Disorders, Attention-deficit

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.