[Effect of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in the first two years of life on cognitive and mental development during childhood]

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among infants and children over the world ranges between 2%-22.5%. Iron is essential for intact development of the body, and especiaLLy for the development of the central nervous system in the first two years of Life.

Objectives: To examine, through a review of the literature, if there is any relation between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and cognitive and mental development in the first two years of life.

Methods: A review of 10 longitudinal and clinical trials from the last 16 years, in which this correlation was examined.

Results: According to recent studies, the relation between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia to cognitive and mental development in childhood is stiLL unclear. Followup studies found poorer cognitive scores on measures of mental and cognitive functioning in the long run. Intervention trials in which iron supplementation was administered to infants with IDA, found an improvement in Language and mental deveLopmental test scores. However, micronutrient intervention, or zinc and iron combined or alone, did not improve performance on mental tests. The studies differed in the characteristics of the study population, definition of exposure, type of treatment and confounders.

Conclusions: It is difficult to assess a causal relationship between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, and cognitive and mental development in childhood, mainly due to methodoLogical and ethical reasons. However, most studies from recent years support a negative association. The Ministry of Health in israel recommends iron as a preventive action for iron deficiency in infants.