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Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and ADHD Symptoms in Childhood and Adolescence

Patricia L East1, Jenalee R Doom2, Estela Blanco1,3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego.

Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology : the Official Journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53
|September 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Infant iron deficiency is linked to attention and cognitive issues later in life. Early screening and interventions may support brain development in at-risk children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Iron deficiency in infancy is a global health concern.
  • Early life nutrition significantly impacts neurodevelopment.
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactive-impulsive (AD-HI) and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) are common childhood behavioral concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between infant iron deficiency and SCT/AD-HI symptoms in childhood and adolescence.
  • To examine if these behaviors mediate the relationship between iron deficiency and cognitive abilities.
  • To determine the predictive value of these associations on verbal and mathematical skills.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 959 Chilean children from infancy to adolescence.
  • Maternal ratings of SCT and AD-HI symptoms at ages 5, 10, and 16 years.
  • Standardized assessments of verbal and mathematical abilities and iron deficiency status at multiple time points.

Main Results:

  • Infant iron deficiency was associated with increased SCT and AD-HI symptoms across all ages.
  • The impact of iron deficiency on cognitive skills was largely indirect, mediated by AD-HI behaviors.
  • AD-HI symptoms were concurrently and predictively linked to lower verbal and math scores.

Conclusions:

  • Early iron deficiency may play an etiological role in the development of ADHD.
  • Screening for nutritional deficiencies in children with SCT/ADHD symptoms is recommended.
  • Interventions supporting brain development after early nutritional deprivation may be beneficial.
Abstract

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