The cognitive development of children is highly influenced by nutrition. Notably, the ingestion of macro- and micronutrients might have interactive or individual effects on the cognitive and brain development of school-aged children. Therefore, nutritional deficit may affect cognitive development in school-aged children. For instance, studies have indicated that IQ, school performance, and stunted growth can be linked to nutritional deficiency.
Malnutrition is a concern related to lifespan development as it affects many people around the world. It has long-lasting physiologic effects such as increased vulnerability to accumulation of fats and is responsible for highest mortality rate in school-aged children. Malnutrition does not only affect the physical health, but also the lifespan behavioral and cognitive development of affected school-aged children.
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The researchers used qualitative method in this study since they have previous research.
One major limitation of the longitudinal and cross-sectional studies is that it is difficult to confirm that the relationship between cognitive performance or development and malnutrition is an independent fact and not because of other confounding factors. Notably, such factors can include demographic characteristics, namely years of education, sex, and age. They can also include socioeconomic variable such as parental occupation, income, and education. Conversely, the researchers were able to review and expound on information from previous research to elaborate on how malnutrition has affected school-aged children across the world, especially those in underdeveloped countries. Generally, they attest that although information is available concerning the additive and interactive effects of nutrients, little is known regarding the effects of nutrients to the cognitive development or performance of a child. As such, the researchers propose that future research should emphasize on investigating the combined effect of energy, protein iron, vitamins, iodine, folate, zinc, and chlorine in the reduction of homocysteine.
