biostudies-literatureUnknown15Sideropoulos V<h4>Background</h4>Childhood stunting is associated with delayed developmental trajectories. While the relationship between childhood stunting and cognitive development has been widely studied, the impact on children's development requires further examination. We aimed to synthesise existing research studies to clarify the relationships between childhood stunting and cognitive development and sub-domains of cognition. Additionally, we sought to examine potential moderating factors influencing the relationship between childhood stunting and cognitive development, and to explore interventions targeted at improving cognitive development for stunted children.<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically reviewed literature from 1990 to 2025 in 54 languages. We identified 12 191 studies, of which 35 studieJournal of global health04257https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12467485biostudies-literatureChildhood stunting and cognitive development: a meta-analysis.PMC12467485Ang LDockrell JEDraper ASideropoulos VMunoz-Chereau BfalseChildhood stunting and cognitive development: a meta-analysis.<h4>Background</h4>Childhood stunting is associated with delayed developmental trajectories. While the relationship between childhood stunting and cognitive development has been widely studied, the impact on children's development requires further examination. We aimed to synthesise existing research studies to clarify the relationships between childhood stunting and cognitive development and sub-domains of cognition. Additionally, we sought to examine potential moderating factors influencing the relationship between childhood stunting and cognitive development, and to explore interventions targeted at improving cognitive development for stunted children.<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically reviewed literature from 1990 to 2025 in 54 languages. We identified 12 191 studies, of which 35 studie2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-06-03T21:14:28.932Z2026-05-01T03:10:59.582ZS-EPMC124674854100421810.7189/jogh.15.04257