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Prenatal Iron Deficiency, Neonatal Ferritin, and Infant Cognitive Function
Michael O Mireku1,2,3, Leslie L Davidson4, Michael J Boivin5
1Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Mère et Enfant Face aux Infections Tropicales, Paris, France; michael.osei.mireku@gmail.com.
Pediatrics
|December 13, 2016
Summary
Prenatal iron deficiency (ID) in pregnant women receiving iron supplements did not affect infant development. However, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) near delivery was linked to lower cord blood ferritin levels.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Prenatal maternal iron deficiency (ID) is a global concern.
- Iron supplementation is standard during pregnancy.
- The impact of ID on infant neurodevelopment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between prenatal maternal ID and cord blood serum ferritin (CBSF) concentrations.
- To determine the association between prenatal ID and infant cognitive and motor development at age 1 year.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 636 mother-child pairs in Benin.
- Maternal ferritin and hemoglobin assessed at multiple antenatal visits and delivery.
- Infant cognitive and motor functions evaluated using Mullen Scales of Early Learning at age 1 year.
Main Results:
- Prenatal ID prevalence ranged from 28.4% to 34.0%.
- No association was found between prenatal ID or CBSF and infant cognitive/motor outcomes.
- Mothers with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) at delivery had lower CBSF concentrations.
Conclusions:
- In a malaria-endemic area with iron supplementation, prenatal ID does not impact infant neurodevelopment.
- Prenatal IDA near delivery is associated with reduced CBSF levels.
- Routine iron supplementation may mitigate the effects of ID on infant outcomes.
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