The Importance of Iron To Support Optimum Cognitive Development

Abstract

The fetal brain anatomy development starts during the last trimester of pregnancy and continue in early months of life. This critical process makes it vulnerable to insufficient nutrition, while brain growth continues into adulthood, micronutrient status can affect functioning beyond childhood. Iron is an important nutrient for the production and growth of cells in the immune and neural systems. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting about half of all pregnant women and their offspring. Iron deficiency anemia has long been believed to have an effect on the central nervous system. Iron deficiency in late trimester and in newborn leads to abnormal cognitive function and emotional control that may continue in adulthood.
 In summary, despite some evidence that iron supplementation enhances cognitive performance. Evidence of the role of iron in brain development and the effect of iron deficiency or iron supplementation on early development is uncertain.

Executive function: A secret pathway to enter the future of adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD)

“…On account of the neuroimaging innovations, researchers began to combat the myths about the adolescent brain. Contrary to the popular belief, brain development continues throughout childhood and adolescence, and the maturation can go well into the third and even fourth decade of life (Johnson et al, 2009;Sekartini, R., 2021;& Counotte, D. S., 2010). This protracted process of brain development is like stacking building blocks -from the bottom up and inside out, with the frontal lobe developing at a later time (Giedd, 2008;Talukdar & Gohain, 2018).…”