Systematic review and meta-analysis found that malnutrition was associated with poor cognitive development
Damiano Pizzol1, Florina Tudor2, Vincenzo Racalbuto1
1Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Malnutrition significantly impairs cognitive development in children aged 1-12 years. Access to adequate nutrition is essential for normal brain development and mental functioning.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Malnutrition is a significant global public health concern.
- It is linked to increased vulnerability to impaired brain development and cognitive deficits.
- Previous research has not systematically reviewed this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the existing literature on the association between malnutrition and cognitive development in children.
- To quantify the impact of malnutrition on various cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of multiple scientific databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) was conducted up to December 2020.
- Studies investigating the relationship between nutritional status and cognitive development were included.
- Data were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I² statistics.
Main Results:
- Twelve studies involving 7,607 children aged 1-12 years were included.
- Children with malnutrition demonstrated significantly lower scores in intelligence (Wechsler Scale), abstract reasoning (Raven's Matrices), visual processing, and short-term memory compared to controls.
- Statistical significance was established with p < 0.05 for all reported cognitive domains.
Conclusions:
- Adequate and safe nutrition is a fundamental requirement for normal cognitive development in children.
- The findings underscore the critical role of nutritional status in pediatric brain health and cognitive outcomes.
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