Effects of oral iron(III) hydroxide polymaltose complex supplementation on hemoglobin increase, cognitive function, affective behavior and scholastic performance of adolescents with varying iron status: a single centre prospective placebo controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of iron supplementation on iron status, cognitive function, affective behavior and scholastic performance in adolescents with varying iron status.


METHODS
Adolescents of both sexes with varying iron status were allocated to four treatment groups by using inclusion criteria. Three of the four groups (iron deficient anemic, iron deficient and control supplement) received iron(III) hydroxide polymaltose complex (IPC, Maltofer) containing 100 mg of elemental iron 6 days a week for 8 months, while the fourth group (control placebo) was given a placebo. Hematological parameters, cognitive function, affective behavior and scholastic performance were assessed at baseline, 4 months and 8 months of supplementation.


RESULTS
Cognitive and scholastic performance test scores for the three supplemented groups increased from baseline to 4 months and from 4 months to 8 months (with concomitant increases in hematological parameters), whereas no increase was observed in the placebo group. No increase was seen in affective behavior scores for any of the groups during or after supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
IPC supplementation for eight months yielded significant improvements in cognitive function and scholastic performance in Indian adolescents with and without iron deficiency and anemia.
Devaki
Pallaki Baby
PB
Department of Home Science, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, AP, India.
Chandra
Ranjit K
RK
Geisser
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins; D007501:Iron; C013276:teferrol