Iron deficiency and the intellect

Children are especially liable to iron-deficiency anaemia in developing countries, and in the inner cities of developed countries. Does the lack of iron cause impaired physical and mental development, and can this in certain circumstances be a permanent effect? One of the reasons that this is such a difficult question to answer is that there can be so many confounding factors, from other nutritional deficiencies, to helminthic infections and malaria in tropical countries. If there is a definite relationship, children in the first 2 years of life will be at particular risk during the mayor spurt of brain growth. Lack of iron can affect brain cells, myelin, or neurotransmitters, so there is certainly a theoretical basis for possible brain damage, or there could be an effect from lack of oxygen. Also anaemic children are likely to feel ill and unwilling to co-operate with tests to assess for developmental defects. Many studies of the possible results of iron deficiency on the development of children have been carried out in various countries, and some of these from 1983 onwards are recorded. It is difficult to draw conclusions from these trials, partly due to the variability in their construction, but on balance the evidence suggests that treatment of iron deficiency is justifiable, whether this is associated with anaemia or not. It is equally important to stress the importance of prevention, although more research is needed on the best method to use, which is both effective and affordable.