Acute Undernutrition and Child Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-analysis

Abstract: This meta-analysis examines the relationship between acute undernutrition and child development outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Synthesizing evidence from 113 studies across 40 countries, the authors find that measures of acute undernutrition—such as wasting and severe acute malnutrition—are consistently associated with poorer cognitive and motor development outcomes. In longitudinal analyses, severe acute malnutrition is linked to substantially lower cognitive scores. The findings highlight the significant developmental consequences of acute undernutrition and underscore the importance of early nutritional interventions.