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Effects of iron supplementation of LBW infants on cognition and behavior at 3 years

Staffan K Berglund1, Björn Westrup, Bruno Hägglöf

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. staffan.berglund@pediatri.umu.se

Pediatrics
|December 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Iron supplementation for low birth weight infants did not improve cognitive scores but significantly reduced behavioral problems. This suggests a link between infant iron deficiency and later behavioral issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Neurodevelopmental Science
  • Iron Metabolism

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) infants face increased risks for cognitive and behavioral challenges.
  • Iron deficiency in infancy is linked to impaired neurodevelopment.
  • Early iron supplementation is a potential intervention for LBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of early iron supplementation on cognitive scores in marginally LBW infants.
  • To determine if iron supplementation reduces behavioral problems in LBW infants at preschool age.
  • To explore the relationship between infant iron status and later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 285 marginally LBW infants (2000-2500 g).
  • Infants received 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day of iron supplements from 6 weeks to 6 months.
  • Cognitive function (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) and behavioral problems (Child Behavior Checklist) were assessed at 3.5 years.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in full-scale IQ were observed between iron-supplemented LBW infants and placebo groups, or compared to normal birth weight controls.
  • A significant reduction in behavioral problems, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist, was found in supplemented LBW infants.
  • The prevalence of children with behavioral scores above the subclinical cutoff was significantly lower in the 1-mg and 2-mg iron groups compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions:

  • Early iron supplementation in marginally LBW infants does not enhance cognitive function at 3.5 years of age.
  • Iron supplementation significantly decreases the prevalence of behavioral problems in this population.
  • The findings suggest a causal link between infant iron deficiency and the development of later behavioral problems.
Abstract

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