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Dietary habits and food intake largely determine the nutritional and cognitive development of growing children. A total of 240 school children aged 13-15 years were selected from different private and government schools of Punjab. The average daily intake of food and nutrient was calculated using Indian Nutrition Software (Diet Cal). The nutrient intake was compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (ICMR 2010) for Indians and percentage adequacy of food and nutrient intake was calculated. The results revealed that percent adequacy of cereals, milk and milk products, sugar and jaggery and fats and oils was adequate in both boys and girls of the private and government schools. While the adequacy of pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits was marginally adequate. On comparing the percent adequacy of the nutrient intake for the school children, it was found that energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid and vitamin C was higher in children of private schools than government schools. A significant positive correlation was observed between healthy food consumption (milk, fruits, roots and tubers) with attention span and memory retention. Thus, with better consumption of home-made foods and healthy foods there was an increase in attention span and memory retention among school children.

Key words: Nutrient intake, Memory retention, Attention span, Dietary intake.