Open AccessLong‐Lasting Neural and Behavioral Effects of Iron Deficiency in Infancy
Author(s) -
Lozoff Betsy,
Beard John,
Connor James,
Felt Barbara,
Georgieff Michael,
Schallert Timothy
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00243.x
Subject(s) - iron deficiency , iron deficiency anemia , neurotransmitter systems , iron supplementation , neuroscience , cognition , psychology , neurotransmitter , brain function , medicine , physiology , developmental psychology , anemia , central nervous system , dopamine
Infants are at high risk for iron deficiency and iron‐deficiency anemia. This review summarizes evidence of long‐term effects of iron deficiency in infancy. Follow‐up studies from preschool age to adolescence report poorer cognitive, motor, and social‐emotional function, as well as persisting neurophysiologic differences. Research in animal models points to mechanisms for such long‐lasting effects. Potential mechanisms relate to effects of iron deficiency during brain development on neurometabolism, myelination, and neurotransmitter function