The Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Performance Among Students at UiTMÂ Seremban Campus, Malaysia: A Multiple Linear Regression Approach

University students are particularly susceptible to poor dietary habits due to financial constraints, limited food access, and low nutritional awareness. These factors can negatively affect their cognitive functions; however, there are limited research done to explore this relationship. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, hydration, food security, and nutritional awareness with cognitive function and to determine the most significant predictor. Using convenience sampling, a sample of 365 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan Seremban Campus was selected. A close-ended structured online questionnaire served as the primary method for data collection, and multiple linear regression was used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed that while hydration did not significantly influence cognitive function, dietary patterns, food security, and nutritional awareness did. Furthermore, the most significant predictor was identified to be nutritional awareness. As a result, raising students' awareness of nutrition is essential to improve their academic performance and cognitive health. Overall, this research may assist in ensuring that the students are raised in an environment that encourages both academic achievement and cognitive development