The Role of Child Nutrition in Growth and Development: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ajm.2025.8.01.9Keywords:
Child Immunity, Child Nutrition, Growth & Development, Malnutrition, PEM, Micronutrients, MacronutrientsAbstract
Child nutrition plays a crucial role in physical growth, cognitive development, and overall health outcomes. Proper nutrition during early life stages is critical to achieving optimal growth, preventing diseases, and ensuring the full realization of a child’s genetic potential. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of child nutrition in growth and development, focusing on the importance of macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary diversity. The long-term consequences of malnutrition, both under nutrition and over nutrition, on cognitive function, physical growth, and susceptibility to diseases are also discussed. This article draws from studies across different regions and socio-economic contexts to highlight the importance of nutrition in early childhood and its far-reaching effects on health trajectories throughout life.References
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