Nutrition and development of children from poor rural areas. V. Nutrition and behavioral development.

Abstract

2 groups of 17 mother-child units each were studied longitudinally, 1 with the usual feeding habits which resulted in undernutrition of the child, and the other sufficient with food supplementation. From the 24th week on, the supplemented developed a different pattern of interaction with mother and environment; they slept less, barely used the cradle during the day, played more in the yard, and refused to be carried wrapped up. They moved about 6 times as much as the nonsupplemented and exhibited complex behavior. They were more restless, playful, demanding, and disobedient. It is concluded that better nutrition caused an increased level in the child, which made him more demanding, and in turn this increased interaction with his mother and established a feedback system, which in turn modified his behavior.