Integrated strategies needed to prevent iron deficiency and to promote early child development

Abstract

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are global public health problems that differentially impact pregnant women and infants in low and middle income countries. IDA during the first 1000 days of life (prenatally through 24 months) has been associated with long term deficits in children’s socio-emotional, motor, cognitive, and physiological functioning. Mechanisms linking iron deficiency to children’s development may include alterations to dopamine metabolism, myelination, and hippocampal structure and function; as well as maternal depression and unresponsive caregiving, potentially associated with maternal ID. Iron supplementation trials have had mixed success in promoting children’s development. Evidence suggests that the most effective interventions to prevent iron deficiency and to promote early child development begin early in life and integrate strategies to ensure adequate iron and nutritional status, along with strategies to promote responsive mother-child interactions and early learning opportunities.

Hungry minds: Investigating the food insecurity of minority community college students

“…Food insecurity has also negative implications for people's health. In children, food insecurity has been associated with delayed socioemotional and motor development (Black, ), more frequent chronic diseases (Kirkpatrick, McIntyre, & Potestio, ), and higher risk of obesity (Casey et al, ; Eisenmann, Gundersen, Lohman, Garasky, & Stewart, ). In late adolescence, food insecurity is known to lead to experiences of depression and suicide ideation (McIntyre, Williams, Lavorato, & Patten, ).…”

The Effect of Low Dose Iron and Zinc Intake on Child Micronutrient Status and Development during the First 1000 Days of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The first 1000 days of life—the period from conception to the child’s 2nd birthday—are most crucial, since some developmental and functional delays during this period are either irreversible or only partly reversible [3]. In utero exposure to iron deficiency has been associated with impaired brain maturation of the fetus [4,5], while during infancy and childhood, iron deficiency could lead to impaired cognitive and physical functionality and increased risk of mortality [1,6]. Zinc is essential for cellular differentiation and maturation and maternal zinc deficiency could lead to growth retardation and other developmental defects of the fetus [7].…”

The significance of soluble transferrin receptors in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia

“…In children, it might be responsible for a slower development and the appearance of cognitive dysfunction [3]. In adults, it affects the work ability and the quality of life.…”