Final answer:
The statement is True. Children who experience long-term dietary deprivation can have long-term consequences such as poor brain development and lower life expectancy. However, a full recovery with no lasting consequences is possible if the period of significant dietary malnutrition is relatively short in early life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is a) True.
Children who experience long-term dietary deprivation can indeed have long-term consequences such as poor brain development and lower life expectancy.
This is because during childhood, when energy and nutrients are needed for growth and development, undernutrition can lead to wasting and stunting.
If the period of significant dietary malnutrition is relatively short in early life, a full recovery with no lasting consequences is possible. However, if the malnutrition is prolonged, it can have lasting effects on physical and cognitive development.
It is important to address undernutrition in children to ensure their healthy growth and development.