Retrospective cohort analysis demonstrates negative cognitive effects of stunting in children, suggesting critical early interventions are needed.
Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive, emotional, and social development. A significant factor during this stage is linear growth, particularly stunting, defined as height-for-age Z-score below –2 SD according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. In 2020, approximately 149 million children under five were stunted worldwide, with the highest burden in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa [1]. Stunting has been associated with long-term neurocognitive deficits and reduced human potential [2].
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Utami et al. (2026) studied this question.
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