The relationship between scholastic progress and nutritional status. Part I. A study of 488 school beginners.

The reading progress of 488 Chatsworth Indian school beginners, in relation to their nutritional status, was assessed. It was found that the majority of the children were grossly growth-retarded and some 90% of them could be classified as slow learners. The significance of these findings is discussed. It is recommended that dietary supplementation be introduced for preschool as well as for school-going children in communities where growth retardation is prevalent.