WPS 1123, April 1993. WPS 1123, April 1993. Some Disturbing Facts Children with iodine or iron deficiency or severe protein-energy malnutrition have lower IQs. Malnourished and frequently ill preschoolers are listless, play less, and learn less at home. Malnourished and frequently ill children have poor school attendance and are more likely to drop out of school.
Malnourished children have a shorter attention span and less learning capacity.