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Association between Serum Ferritin and Cognitive Function in Early Childhood
Patricia C Parkin1, Christine Koroshegyi2, Eva Mamak2
1Division of Pediatric Medicine and the Pediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 6, 2019
Summary
Higher serum ferritin levels in toddlers (1-3 years) correlate with better cognitive function, as measured by the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Optimal cognitive development was observed around 17 μg/L of serum ferritin.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in infants and toddlers.
- Iron plays a crucial role in brain development and cognitive function.
- The relationship between iron status and cognitive outcomes in early childhood requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum ferritin levels and cognitive function in infants and toddlers aged 1-3 years.
- To determine if there is a specific serum ferritin threshold associated with optimal cognitive development.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving infants and toddlers aged 1-3 years.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning.
- Serum ferritin levels were measured as an indicator of iron status.
Main Results:
- A significant nonlinear relationship was found between serum ferritin values and cognitive function (P = .02).
- Higher serum ferritin levels were associated with higher cognitive scores.
- A serum ferritin level of approximately 17 μg/L corresponded to the maximum level of cognitive function, with no further meaningful improvement beyond this point.
Conclusions:
- Serum ferritin levels are positively associated with cognitive function in toddlers.
- Maintaining adequate iron status, indicated by serum ferritin levels around 17 μg/L, may be important for optimizing cognitive development in early childhood.
- These findings highlight the critical role of iron in early brain development.
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