Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Poorer behavioral and developmental outcome more than 10 years after treatment for iron deficiency in infancy

B Lozoff1, E Jimenez, J Hagen

  • 1Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0406, USA. blozoff@umich.edu

Pediatrics
|April 1, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Severe, chronic iron deficiency in infancy can lead to lasting developmental and behavioral issues. Children treated for iron deficiency in infancy showed long-term deficits in cognitive and motor skills, impacting academic achievement and behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Iron deficiency in infancy is a global health concern.
  • Early iron deficiency can impact neurodevelopment.
  • Long-term consequences of infant iron deficiency require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term developmental and behavioral outcomes of children with a history of severe, chronic iron deficiency in infancy.
  • To determine if deficits persist more than a decade after iron treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal follow-up study of 191 children in Costa Rica, reevaluating 87% at 11-14 years old.
  • Comparison between children with severe, chronic infant iron deficiency (n=48) and those with good iron status (n=114).
  • Assessment using comprehensive cognitive, socioemotional, motor, and school functioning tests.

Main Results:

  • Children with severe infant iron deficiency scored lower on mental and motor functioning tests.
  • Statistically significant differences persisted in arithmetic, written expression, motor skills, and specific cognitive processes.
  • Formerly iron-deficient children were more likely to repeat grades or require special services.
  • Parents and teachers reported more behavioral problems, including anxiety, social issues, and attention difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Severe, chronic iron deficiency in infancy is associated with sustained developmental and behavioral risks over 10 years post-treatment.
  • Early iron repletion is crucial but may not fully reverse all long-term impacts.
  • Identifies a cohort at risk for ongoing academic and socioemotional challenges.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes08:45

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes

Published on: May 10, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...