Schoolchildren with Learning Difficulties Have Low Iron Status and High Anemia Prevalence

Abstract

Background. In developing countries there is high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, which reduces cognitive performance, work performance, and endurance; it also causes learning difficulties and negative impact on development for infant population. Methods. The study concerns a case-control study; data was collected from an appropriate sample consisting of schoolchildren aged 8 years. The sample was divided into two subgroups: those with deficient initial reading skills (DIRS) (case) and those without (control). Blood samples were taken to analyze hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. These results were then used to compare the two groups with Student's t-test. Association between DIRS and anemia was analyzed using odds ratio (OR). Results. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels of schoolchildren with DIRS were statistically lower when compared to those without, hemoglobin p = 0.02 and serum ferritin p = 0.04. DIRS was statistically associated with a risk of anemia with a weighted OR of 1.62. Conclusions. In this study, schoolchildren with DIRS had lower hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels when compared to those without.

Iron status predicts cognitive test performance of primary school children from Kumasi, Ghana

“…Iron deficiency anemia is capable of causing cognitive impairments related to attention, concentration, and intelligence [ 18 ]. A study among 8-year-old school children in Brazil observed that the children with learning difficulties had significant lower hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels than those with no learning difficulty [ 36 ]. An earlier study to elucidate the effects of hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels on cognition suggested that children with low ferritin levels but high hemoglobin concentrations had significantly high cognitive function [ 19 ].…”

Serum iron deficiency was associated with lower cognitive development in the children of the Santal tribe of West Bengal

“…A considerable percentage of children with stage II and III iron depletion stages had a below average IQ were more intellectually deficient, and this percentage increased as the IQ deficit increased. Iron‐deficient anaemia has been associated with poor cognitive function, behaviour or school achievements . Children with iron deficiency who have been shown to be more wary, hesitant and easily tired, and make less effort during academic tests find it harder to follow instructions and play less than other children.…”

Molecular basis of Iron Biofortification in crop plants; A step towards sustainability

“…Hidden hunger has multiple effects on different age groups ranging from new‐borns to senior citizens during their life span. Iron deficiency anaemia is believed to be one of the widespread nutritional issues, targeting almost 2 billion people around the globe (Arcanjo et al., 2016). Anaemia is related to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, targeting persons of any age in general while pregnant women and young children in specific (Jafari et al., 2013).…”

“…Iron deficiency in children's diet limits cognitive development and makes it difficult to participate in classroom exercises. Unhealthy children therefore expose themselves to reduced educational performance (Arcanjo et al., 2016). This problem poses a challenge to fulfil the UN SDG No.4 ( Quality Education ) which ensures equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all including children that are on the developmental track of health, learning and psychological well‐being.…”