The Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Intellectual Intelligence in 13-15 Year Old Middle School Students at SMPN 2 Sumber Probolinggo

Currently, Indonesia faces three major nutrition-related problems among adolescents, known as the triple burden of malnutrition, namely undernutrition (stunting and wasting), micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. Children's cognitive development is greatly influenced by adequate nutrition, as physical and brain growth go hand in hand in the growth and development process. A balanced and high-quality diet supports optimal growth and development and influences children's nutritional status and intellectual intelligence. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and intellectual intelligence in students. This study is an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. The subjects of this study were 68 students aged 13–15 years at SMPN 2 Sumber, Probolinggo Regency. Primary data were obtained through IQ tests and weight and height measurements, while secondary data were in the form of student identities. Data analysis used a two-sample t-test. The results showed that out of 42 students with poor nutritional status, 38 students (90.5%) had low IQ (<100). Among 23 students with normal nutritional status, 11 students (47.8%) had low IQ and 12 students (52.2%) had moderate IQ (100–109). The statistical test results showed a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant relationship between nutritional status and intellectual ability. In conclusion, nutritional status is associated with intellectual ability among students at SMPN 2 Sumber, Probolinggo District. Students with poor nutritional status have a higher risk of having an IQ below average.