Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Nutritional deficiencies are known to affect cognitive development, particularly during the crucial growth years of childhood. This study aims to explore the relationship between specific nutritional deficiencies and cognitive performance among school‐aged children. In this cross‐sectional study, 200 children aged 6‐12 years were recruited from urban schools. Nutritional status was assessed through blood tests measuring levels of iron, iodine, Vitamin D and omega‐3 fatty acids. Cognitive development was evaluated using standardized cognitive tests. Data on socioeconomic status (SES) were also collected to analyze its impact on nutrition and cognitive outcomes. The prevalence of nutritional deficiencies was notably high, with 27% of children showing iron deficiency, 31.5% deficient in Vitamin D, 14.5% in iodine and 23% in omega‐3 fatty acids. Cognitive assessment scores varied significantly with nutritional status, with lower scores associated with higher deficiency levels. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between lower SES and increased nutritional deficiencies (p<0.001 for iron and Vitamin D). Regression analysis indicated that nutritional deficiencies significantly predicted lower cognitive scores (p<0.05). The study highlights a significant association between nutritional deficiencies and reduced cognitive performance in school‐aged children. Nutritional interventions, particularly in low SES populations, could potentially enhance cognitive development and academic performance, suggesting a pressing need for public health initiatives focusing on improving child nutrition.
How to cite this article:
Babasaheb Vithalrao Gaikwad and Abhijeet Deshmukh. A Cross‐Sectional Study of Nutritional Deficiencies and Cognitive Development in School‐Aged Children.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.265.269
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2025.1.265.269