Final answer:
Impaired cognitive development is correlated with deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, folic acid, iodine, and certain B vitamins. Iron deficiency can lead to irreversible cognitive and motor deficits, while vitamin A and folic acid deficiencies can cause immune system issues and birth defects, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies have shown a correlation between impaired cognitive development and a deficiency of several key nutrients. Iron deficiency is particularly significant, as it is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally. Anemia caused by iron deficiency can lead to increased mortality in infancy and poor cognitive and motor development in early childhood, with the effects being irreversible.
Additionally, Vitamin A deficiency affects the development of the immune system in young children, as well as contributing to anemia and causing various visual impairments. Another crucial nutrient that is important especially during pregnancy is folic acid; a deficiency in folic acid can result in neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which are severe birth defects.
Aside from these, other nutrient deficiencies that can impair cognitive development include iodine, which is essential for healthy thyroid function and brain development in children, and certain B vitamins like thiamine and Vitamin B6, which are involved in neurological functions and metabolism.