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The effect of iron deficiency anemia on intelligence quotient (IQ) in under 17 years old students

A Goudarzi1, M R Mehrabi, K Goudarzi

  • 1Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd Branch, Broujerd, Iran.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences : PJBS
|September 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant difference in intelligence quotient (IQ) between students with and without iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia was more prevalent in girls, but IQ remained unaffected in this age group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Cognitive Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency globally.
  • Adequate iron is crucial for brain development and cognitive function.
  • Previous research suggests potential links between iron status and intelligence in children and adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of iron deficiency on the intelligence quotient (IQ) of students aged 11-17 years.
  • To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in the studied student population.
  • To explore sex-based differences in iron deficiency and anemia distribution.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 540 students (11-17 years) in Boroujerd city.
  • Laboratory tests included serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin levels.
  • Intelligence quotient was assessed using the Raven's Progressive Matrices test.
  • Statistical analysis employed SPSS 13, chi-squared tests, and t-tests.

Main Results:

  • Iron deficiency was identified in 14.4% (78 students) and iron deficiency anemia in 25.9% (14 students).
  • Iron deficiency anemia was significantly more prevalent in girls than in boys (p > 0.05).
  • No statistically significant difference in mean IQ was observed between students with iron deficiency (115 ± 12.1) and those without (113.7 ± 13.9) (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Iron deficiency, as assessed by serum iron, TIBC, and ferritin, did not significantly impact the intelligence quotient of 11-17 year old students in this cohort.
  • While iron deficiency anemia showed a higher prevalence in adolescent girls, it did not correlate with lower IQ scores in this study.
  • Further research may be needed to explore the long-term cognitive effects or the impact of severe iron deficiency on intelligence in adolescents.

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