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Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
03:19

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes

Published on: June 28, 2024

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Age and sex-based impacts of maternal iron deficiency on offspring's cognitive function and anemia: A systematic

Saudatu Faruk1,2, Kamaldeen Olalekan Sanusi1,3, Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim1,3,4

  • 1Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, PMB 2254, Sokoto, Nigeria.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal iron deficiency impacts offspring's cognitive development and anemia risk. Male offspring show higher risks in youth, while females face increased risks in adulthood, highlighting the need for maternal iron status monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal nutrition
  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Public health

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a global health issue, critical during pregnancy for fetal development.
  • Maternal iron is vital for fetal growth and cognitive maturation.
  • Understanding the long-term effects of maternal iron deficiency on offspring is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between maternal iron deficiency and offspring cognitive impairment.
  • To examine the link between maternal iron deficiency and offspring anemia.
  • To investigate potential age and gender differences in these outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar.
  • Keywords included "maternal," "iron," "gender/sex," and "cognition."
  • Included human and animal studies assessing maternal iron deficiency and offspring outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Twelve studies found cognitive deficits in offspring of iron-deficient mothers; females showed milder impairment than males.
  • Two studies reported increased anemia in offspring, particularly males and younger individuals.
  • Male offspring are more vulnerable to anemia and cognitive issues in youth; females face risks in adulthood.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal iron deficiency significantly increases offspring's risk of anemia and cognitive impairments.
  • Gender and age differentials exist in the manifestation of these risks.
  • Optimizing maternal iron status is essential for ensuring optimal child health and development.

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