Egg supplementation to improve cognitive ability in elementary school children with iodine deficiency

Abstract

Background: Elementary school children who live in iodine deficient areas have lower cognitive abilities than children from iodine sufficient area. This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of egg with iodine and iron on cognitive ability (IQ score) in elementary school children with iodine deficiency. Methods: This was a randomized double-blind controlled trial involving 109 elementary school children aged 8-13 years in endemic iodine deficient District, Kismantoro, Wonogiri. Subjects were divided into 4 groups which are group A (iodine + iron + eggs); B (iron + eggs); C (iodine + eggs); and D (eggs) and supplementation were given for 16 weeks. Cognitive abilities (IQ score) was measured by CFIT (culture fair intelligence test) measured pre and post intervention. Results: There was a significant difference on cognitive abilities (IQ) within group of intervention after 16 weeks of intervention (p 0.05). Conclusions: There was found that children who received egg alone or in combination with iodine and iron have the highest cognitive abilities compared with supplementation of egg with iron. In addition, children who received egg alone or combination with iron and iodine can increase the IQ score by 4 point. Supplementation with egg alone or in combination with iodine and iron improve the cognitive abilities (IQ score) of primary school children who suffer from iodine deficiency disorders.