Exploring the Influence of Nutrition on Academic Success Among First-Year Bachelor of Physical Education Students at Bataan Peninsula State University-Orani Campus

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes its importance in health and development. This qualitative-phenomenological study explores the role of nutrition in learning and education among first-year Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) students at Bataan Peninsula State University Orani Campus. The study involved 2 male and 9 female BPED students aged 19-21. Four research questions guided the study: the importance of nutritional food in school canteens, nutrition's effect on student's personal, social, and academic aspects, experiences of nutritional deficiency during class, and the impact of nutrition knowledge on academic performance. Data analysis revealed three themes and eight sub-themes, highlighting students' experiences with nutritional deficiency, the impact of nutrition on learning and academic performance, and their responses to these challenges. Most students experienced a lack of nutrition, affecting their learning and academic performance. Additionally, the research uncovered how nutritional food influenced their educational outcomes and overall well-being. First-year students often lacked awareness of nutritional food and its effects on learning and academic performance, revealing a need for better nutrition education. Overall, the study underscores the significant role of proper nutrition in the educational context, emphasizing the necessity of improved nutrition awareness and practices among students to enhance their academic and personal development.