Nutritional status of foster children in the U.S.: Implications for cognitive and behavioral development |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, UO Prevention Science Institute, 6217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA;2. SPOON Foundation, 135 SE Main St, Suite 201, Portland, OR 97214, USA;3. Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, UO Prevention Science Institute, 6217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA;1. University of Connecticut, School of Social Work, 1798 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117, United States;2. School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, United States;3. Sungkyunkwan University, Humanities and Social Science Campus, Department of Social Welfare, 61505 Suseon Hall, 25-2 Sungkyunkwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea;4. University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, United States;1. University of Mississippi, Oxford, Department of Social Work, 108 Longstreet Hall, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677, USA;2. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, School of Social Work, 1404 Gortner Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA;3. Fu Jen Catholic University, No. 510, Zhongzheng Rd, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan |
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| Abstract: | ObjectiveChildren in foster care are at greater risk for poor health, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental outcomes than are children in the general population. Considerable research links early nutrition to later cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the prevalence of poor nutrition and its relation to subsequent health and development in foster children.MethodRelevant studies for inclusion were identified from numerous sources (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and reference sections). Inclusion criteria were studies published between 1990 and 2016 of (i) the nutritional status of children in foster care or (ii) the nutritional status of children exposed to early adversity (e.g., low-income and internationally adopted children) or (iii) the developmental effects of poor nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.ResultsTwo key findings that have adverse implications for cognitive development emerged: (i) the prevalence of anemia and iron-deficiency anemia is higher among foster children than among the general population of children in the U.S., and (ii) the developmental demands of catch-up growth post-placement may lead to micronutrient deficiencies even after children have begun sufficient dietary intake of these nutrients. Moreover, there is a paucity of recent studies on the nutritional status of children in foster care, despite the multiple factors that may place them at risk for malnutrition.ConclusionAttention to nutritional status among care providers and medical professionals may remove one of the possible negative influences on foster children's development and in turn significantly alter their trajectories and place them on a more positive path early in life. Recommendations for further research, policy, and practice are discussed. |
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