How does 'hidden hunger' in South Asia affect the cognitive development of infants?

'Hidden hunger' refers to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) despite having enough calories or food. In South Asia, this is a major concern because diets often lack diversity and key nutrients, especially for infants and young children. Hidden hunger can significantly impact the cognitive development of infants in several ways:

• Iron Deficiency: Iron is crucial for brain development. Its deficiency can lead to impaired learning, poor memory, and reduced attention span in infants and young children.
• Iodine Deficiency: Lack of iodine during pregnancy and early childhood can cause irreversible brain damage, lower IQ, and developmental delays.
• Zinc Deficiency: Zinc supports brain structure and function. Its deficiency affects neuropsychological functioning, leading to problems in attention, activity, and motor development.
• Vitamin A Deficiency: Besides affecting vision, vitamin A is important for brain development. Its deficiency can indirectly impair cognitive abilities by increasing risk of infections and poor health.
• Folate Deficiency: Folate is essential for neural tube development in fetuses. Its deficiency can lead to birth defects and later cognitive impairments.
• Impact on Synapse Formation: Micronutrients are involved in the formation of synapses (connections between brain cells). Deficiency can disrupt this process, affecting learning and memory.
• Long-term Effects: Early micronutrient deficiencies can have lifelong consequences by limiting educational achievement and productivity in adulthood.

In South Asia, factors like poverty, lack of dietary diversity, and poor maternal nutrition contribute to hidden hunger, making infants particularly vulnerable to these cognitive impacts.