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Malnutrition is associated with cognitive impairment in young children. But, do these cognitive deficits last, and do psychosocial variables influence the relation between malnutrition and poor cognition?
In this prospective study, 1559 children from the island of Mauritius (69% Indian, 26% African Creole) were assessed for malnutrition at age 3 years and were followed until age 11. Twenty-three percent of the cohort met at least 1 of 4 criteria for malnutrition at age 3: angular stomatitis; kwashiorkor (protein malnutrition); sparse, thin hair; and anemia. Cognition was measured by testing IQ at ages 3 and 11, and by testing reading, school, and neuropsychologic abilities at age 11.
Compared with adequately nourished children, malnourished c…