[Effect of biscuits fortified with haem iron on the intellectual status of pre-school children].
BACKGROUND
In undeveloped countries such as Peru there is a high prevalence of ferropenic anemia. In addition, iron deficiency produces cognitive alterations that could be corrected by iron treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of administration of heme iron-fortified cookies on the intellectual status of preschool children.


METHODS
Using the Goodenough-Harris Test (GHT) and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) we studied the intellectual status of 53 children who received heme iron-fortified cookies for 6-8 weeks and 55 controls without fortification, in 2 occasions (before and after intervention).


RESULTS
We observed a significantly higher improvement in children who received iron respect to controls for GHT score (p < 0.001), WPPSI score (p < 0.05), WPPSI attention-concentration subscale (p < 0.01) and WPPSI pure attention subscale (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of heme iron-fortified cookies may improve the intellectual performance of low-income preschool children.
Salinas-Piélago
J E
JE
Ministerio de Salud de Perú, Lima, Perú.
Vega-Dienstmaier
J M
JM
Rojas-Oblitas
M
M
D000740:Anemia / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007360:Intelligence / Q000187:drug effects*; D007501:Iron / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010568:Peru; D014888:Wechsler Scales
D007501:Iron
Efecto de las galletas fortificadas con hierro heme sobre el estado intelectual en preescolares.