Iron deficiency and its associated anemia are two of the most common conditions affecting young children in the world. It is less common in developed countries because of wide reaching food enrichment programs. A new study found evidence that iron deficiency in infancy causes poor cognitive development even into teenage years.
The results of the study were published in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. A total of 185 children were enrolled in the study at age 1. At that time levels of iron were assessed as well as any diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Then the children were followed into their teens and cognitive ability and growth was assessed at numerous intervals.
53 of the 185 one year old children had low iron levels. They were prescribed supplements to correct the deficiency, though some were not able to ever acheive normal storage levels of iron.
Those children with lower than normal iron and/or iron deficiency anemia scored lower than children with normal iron levels on all types of cognitive tests. Assessments of memory, learning, and thinking found lower scores at all ages, even through the teenage years in children with iron.
The gap in cognitive ability that developed in those with low iron never corrected, regardless of correction of the iron deficiency. And children from a low socioeconomic background suffered further, because the gap continued to widen as they aged.
Studies such as this one that show long term cognitive defects from a deficiency in a mineral stress the concern that healthcare providers need to insure that infants are getting adequate nutrition and when needed supplementing with the necessary minerals and vitamins needed to provide a long, healthy life.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 9, 2006 04:47 PM
