The relation between infant anthropometry and visual information processing

Background. Anthropometric measurements are commonly used indices to assess physical growth and development in infants and children. However, few studies have examined the relation between infant growth in terms of anthropometry measurements and cognitive development in terms of visual information processing.;Objective. To examine how growth, as a general indicator of nutritional status in infants, is correlated to cognitive ability as measured by visual information processing. Also how socioeconomic status and maternal factors may affect the relation between physical growth and cognitive development of infants at 3 months of age.;Methods. The study is cross-sectional and observational, and consisted of 132 infants who were predominately breastfed and their mothers. At 3 months of age, the infants' growth measures, including weight, length and head circumference, were obtained and visual information processing trials were conducted. Also demographic information and information regarding pregnancy risk was obtained from the mothers.;Results. Weight, length, BMI and head circumference Z-scores were significantly related to VIP measures, whereas head circumference, and weight were significantly related to novelty quotient. Length was negatively correlated to VIP measures, and birth weight was not correlated to any of the VIP measures. Maternal education was significantly related to information processing measures.;Conclusion. Infant of average weight, length, and head circumference processes information faster than those who are shorter and heavier.