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Long-lasting neural and behavioral effects of iron deficiency in infancy

Betsy Lozoff1, John Beard, James Connor

  • 1Center for Human Growth and Development and the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA. blozoff@umich.edu

Nutrition Reviews
|June 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency in infancy can lead to lasting negative effects on cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development. These long-term impacts are linked to iron

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Infants face a high risk of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Early life iron status is critical for optimal development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the long-term consequences of iron deficiency during infancy.
  • To explore potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of follow-up studies from infancy through adolescence.
  • Inclusion of research on animal models to investigate mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Children with infant iron deficiency exhibit poorer cognitive, motor, and social-emotional function.
  • Persistent neurophysiologic differences are observed into adolescence.
  • Animal studies suggest impacts on neurometabolism, myelination, and neurotransmitter function.

Conclusions:

  • Iron deficiency in infancy has enduring effects on neurodevelopment.
  • Mechanisms involve alterations in brain development processes crucial for long-term function.

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