Developmental scores of iron deficient infants and the effects of therapy

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A recent HEW report has suggested that iron deficiency anemia may affect 15–20% of children under 18 years. Young children from low income families may be particularly vulnerable to developmental effects such as irritability and attentional and cognitive deficits which have been clinically reported in iron deficient subjects. The present study investigated both the cognitive and behavioral functions associated with iron deficiency anemia in infants and toddlers and the short-term effects of therapy on such behaviors. The subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment and control group. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development were administered before the institution of treatment with intramuscular iron or placebo, and the test was readministered in 5 to 8 days. Children treated with iron showed a significant increase, compared to the controls, in their scores on the Mental Development Index, averaging a mean gain of 13.6 points in a mean time of 6.8 days. The treated group was also found to become more alert and responsive and demonstrated improvement in tests of gross and fine motor coordination. These findings support the hypothesis that iron deficiency in infants produces developmental alterations and that these changes are rapidly reversible with iron therapy.