Malnutrition and reasoning ability in Zambian schoolchildren

215 Zambian schoolchildren were examined, of whom 72 had suffered such a decline in their nutrition that they had been admitted to hospital for malnutrition at the age of 2 years or under. Comparison with the other 143 showed significant differences in physique and reasoning ability at a later date. It is suggested that nutritional deficiencies may have contributed to these, and may be historically conditioned, although no proof exists, and parental inadequacy may be responsible.