Long-lasting neural and behavioral effects of iron deficiency in infancy.
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.
Lozoff
Betsy
B
Center for Human Growth and Development and the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA. blozoff@umich.edu
Beard
John
J
Connor
James
J
Barbara
Felt
F
Georgieff
Michael
M
Schallert
Timothy
T
D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000150:complications*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D003071:Cognition; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D048788:Growth and Development; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents