What effects does malnutrition have on the brain?

Certain nutrients have greater effects on brain development than do others. These include protein, energy, certain fats, iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, vitamin A, choline, and folate. The effect of any nutrient deficiency or overabundance on brain development will be governed by the principle of timing, dose, and duration. read more

For instance, structural differences in the brain may affect the ability to read or understand mathematical concepts. Some people with learning disabilities have trouble with cognitive function or responding to social cues. Mental Retardation. Continual or severe malnutrition limits brain growth and may result in mental retardation. read more

The Parts of the Brain that Are Affected By Eating Disorders Kaye cites imaging data that show the brains of those with anorexia and those recovered from the illness have an under-active limbic circuity, which relates to feeling the reward, and an operatic executive neural circuity, which relates to inhibition. read more