Millions of students in Turkey started the new academic year yesterday with new hopes and dreams. But for some, learning and focusing in the classroom can be really hard especially if they are suffering from anemia or vitamin deficiencies.

Dr. Coşkun Usta, a professor at Akdeniz University's Medical Pharmacology Department, said there are many factors that can affect the success of children in school, and illnesses are among these factors.

Implying even a simple vitamin deficiency can seriously affect children's success in school, Usta said that iron deficiency is one of the most common problems.

He noted that iron deficiency can effect cognitive development in children, including the retention of information, as well as their ability to focus for long periods, stating, "Deficiencies in the vitamins D, B12, B1 and B6 and folic acids can create illnesses that directly affect children's success in school. Iron deficiency causes anemia, which in turn affects children's concentration. They cannot focus or understand what they read."

Pointing out that iron is important for blood production, Usta informed that deficiencies in folic acids and B12 can also lead to anemia.

Usta highlighted that the vitamins B6 and B1 help cognitive function and explained that the proper level of vitamins should be included in every child's diet to promote development and success at the school.

"Vitamins are crucial for our children's success. We, as parents, need to pay attention to this. The best way to get enough vitamins is through a healthy, balanced diet, which is why it is so important to choose foods that are high in vitamins. We cannot expect 100 percent from a child who has a vitamin deficiency. Vitamin deficiencies inhibit children's success," he said.