Effects of iron supplementation on cognitive development in school-age children: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Befikadu Tariku Gutema,Muluken Bekele Sorrie,Nega Degefa Megersa,G E Yesera,Yordanos Gizachew Yeshitila,Nele S. Pauwels,Stefaan De Henauw,Souheila Abbeddou +7 more
TL;DR: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence from published randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of iron supplementation on cognitive development and function among school-age children is presented in this paper .
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Abstract: Background Iron deficiency is negatively associated with children’s cognitive development. Evidence showed that iron supplementation improves cognitive development. Nearly 50% of anemia is caused by iron deficiency. Anemia affects more school-age children, at an age where their brain development continues. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to review the evidence from published randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of iron supplementation on cognitive development and function among school-age children. Method Five databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL were used to search for articles on April 20th, 2021. The search was reconducted on October 13th, 2022 to retrieve new records. Studies were eligible if they included school children 6–12 years of age, were randomized controlled trials, and if they tested iron supplementation and measured cognitive development. Result Thirteen articles were included in the systematic review. Overall, iron supplementation significantly improved intelligence (standardized mean difference, 95% confidence interval) (SMD 0.46, 95%CI: 0.19, 0.73, P<0.001), attention and concentration (SMD 0.44, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.81, P = 0.02) and memory (SMD 0.44, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.67, P <0.001) of school-age children. There was no significant effect of iron supplementation on school achievement of school-age children (SMD 0.06, 95%CI: -0.15, 0.26, P = 0.56). In a subgroup analysis, iron-supplemented children who were anemic at baseline had had better outcomes of intelligence (SMD 0.79, 95%CI: 0.41, 1.16, P = 0.001) and memory (SMD 0.47, 95%CI: 0.13, 0.81; P = 0.006). Conclusion Iron supplementation has a significant positive effect on the intelligence, attention and concentration, and the memory of school-age children but there was no evidence on the effect of iron supplementation on their school achievement.
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The Iron Metabolism with a Specific Focus on the Functioning of the Nervous System
Monika Kulaszyńska,Sebastian Kwiatkowski,Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka +2 more
TL;DR: The review summarizes the current understanding of iron metabolism and its function in the nervous system, with a focus on the brain. It highlights the importance of iron for cellular respiration, biochemical processes, and the production of free radicals. The review also discusses the mechanisms of iron absorption in the small intestine and the essential action of hepcidin.
5
Effectiveness of Intermittent Iron and High-Dose Vitamin A Supplementation on Cognitive Development of Schoolchildren in Southern Ethiopia: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.
Befikadu Tariku Gutema,Bruno Levecke,Muluken Bekele Sorrie,Nega Degefa Megersa,Tadiwos Zewdie,G E Yesera,Stefaan De Henauw,Amina Abubakar,Souheila Abbeddou +8 more
TL;DR: In a population where the prevalence of iron deficiency is low, intermittent iron supplementation did not have any or negative effect on the child's cognitive development outcomes, Whereas VA supplementation improved the child’s working memory.
2
Iron status and a proposal for hemoglobin adjustment by altitude in children 6 to 8 months old living in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno
Juan Pablo Aparco,Gabriela Santos-Antonio,William Bautista-Olórtegui,K. Alvis-Chirinos,Patricia Velarde-Delgado,Paul Hinojosa-Mamani,Gilmer Solis-Sánchez,Flor Eliana Santa Cruz,Nelly Zavaleta +8 more
TL;DR: Children residing in Arequipa and Puno showed higher rates of ID and lower iron reserves; furthermore, the increase in hemoglobin by altitude was exponential, showing the need to adjust hemoglobin at altitude.
2
Relationship between Anemia and Academic Performance in Chinese Primary School Students: Evidence from a Large National Survey
Yisong Hu,Yanxin Mao,Weidong Wang +2 more
- 29 Jan 2024
TL;DR: The findings found the prevalence of anemia was 6.52% among Chinese Grade 4 students, and Nutrition-related interventions should be implemented to prevent a decrease in academic performance among students with anemia.
1
Mental health and well-being for the prevention of substance use disorders
TL;DR: This study examines the relationship between mental health, well-being, and substance use disorders (SUDs) across the lifespan, highlighting the importance of preventive interventions in reducing SUD risk and promoting well-being. Universal interventions, community involvement, and addressing social determinants are key strategies for prevention.
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