Long‐term consequences of stunting in early life

This review summarizes the impact of stunting, highlights recent research findings, discusses policy and programme implications and identifies research priorities. There is growing evidence of the connections between slow growth in height early in life and impaired health and educational and economic performance later in life. Recent research findings, including follow-up of an intervention trial in Guatemala, indicate that stunting can have long-term effects on cognitive development, school achievement, economic productivity in adulthood and maternal reproductive outcomes. This evidence has contributed to the growing scientific consensus that tackling childhood stunting is a high priority for reducing the…

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  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation