Buccal DNA global methylation and cognitive performance in stunted children under 5 years of age.

The prevalence of stunting in Indonesian children under five years of age is about 20%. Chronic maternal malnutrition contributes to the risk of stunting by affecting global DNA methylation. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the levels of 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC), as a surrogate marker of global DNA methylation, in buccal swabs and its potential association with risk of stunting and cognitive performance.