Eating breakfast should be “non-negotiable” for school-aged children, according to the Dietitians Association of Australia.

Research conducted by Foodbank revealed teachers noticed most students who skipped breakfast had low energy levels and had difficulty concentrating.

It also showed three children in every classroom were arriving at school hungry or without breakfast.

Dietitians Association of Australia spokeswoman Kate Di Prima said skipping breakfast would make children feel “fuzzy” in the head and lethargic because their brains are being starved of energy.

“The brain requires energy in the form of glucose to function at its best throughout the day,” Ms Di Prima said.

“Nutritious breakfast foods such as grainy bread, breakfast cereals, fruit and milk provide healthy sources of glucose.”

Top options for a brain-boosting breakfast

-Wholegrain cereal with reduced-fat milk, topped with fresh fruit

- Wholegrain toast with reduced fat cheese, avocado and tomato and a piece of fruit

-Wholemeal muffin or crumpet with baked beans and a low-fat yoghurt

- Poached or scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast with a glass of reduced-fat milk

- A smoothie made from reduced-fat milk, fresh fruit and yoghurt