Abstract
Background: Data on iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and cognitive function in Indian children aged 5-10 years is limited. Objective: To study the extent of IDA, its impact on cognition and evaluate the effect of iron supplementation on cognitive function in children with IDA. Methods: Children aged 5-10 years (n=193) were grouped into overt (group I n=71,,Ia- received iron supplements, Ib –without iron supplement), latent (group II, n=48, IIa- received iron supplements, IIb –without iron supplement)) anemia and non anemia (Group III, n=74) categories. Basic hematological investigations (HB, MCV, peripheral smear and total iron binding capacity) were done at baseline to categorize into groups. Cognitive function tests were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Deworming with broad spectrum anthelmintic agent Albendazole(400mg stat) followed by iron supplements for 3 months was administered to Group Ia and IIa children. Results: Of 193 children, 119 (61.65%) had Iron deficiency, seventy (36.27%) had overt anemia and 49(25.397%) had latent form. Mean ± SD Haemoglobin at baseline was 11.80 ±1.71gm/dL, MCV 82.07± 4.69 femolitres, TIBC was 403.58 ± 58.77µg/dL. Cognitive functions were significantly (p 12gms/dL was seen in 80.83% (156/193) had 12 gms/dL. Conclusion: Non anemic children perform better than those with anemia; performance of those with latent anemia is better than those with overt anemia. Iron supplementation helps in improved performance in these children.
Highlights
Iron deficiency anemia in childhood a common, yet a clinically important reversible state of malnutrition, has well established relationship with impaired work capacity, lowered cognitive functions, impaired immune responses and growth retardation [1,2]
Early recognition, treatment and reversal of perturbed cognitive functions is of utmost importance in order to improve academic performance in a country like ours where academic grades are considered as Pediatric Review: International Journal of Pediatric Research Available online at: www.pediatricreview.in 313 | P a g e ultimate
We evaluated the effect of iron supplementation on cognitive function in these children
Summary
Iron deficiency anemia in childhood a common, yet a clinically important reversible state of malnutrition, has well established relationship with impaired work capacity, lowered cognitive functions, impaired immune responses and growth retardation [1,2]. Manuscript received: 19th April 2016 Reviewed: 28th April 2016 Author Corrected; 14th May 2016 Accepted for Publication: 26th May 2016 these changes may become irreversible which makes early recognition and treatment crucial. For this reason, iron supplements are being prescribed routinely in toddlers and during early childhood as a preventive measure, which has proved effective [6,7]. Iron supplements have shown to improve academic performance [11]. Data on iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and cognitive function in Indian children aged 5-10 years is limited.
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