A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that supplementing iron into the diets of low birth weight infants significantly reduces the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems in toddlers compared to those who did not receive iron. The findings indicate a causal relationship between infant iron deficiency and later behavioral issues.
Researchers at Umeå University conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 285 marginally low birth weight infants (2,000 to 2,500 g). These infants received 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day of iron supplements from six weeks to six months of age. At 3.5 years, they were assessed alongside 95 normal birth weight controls using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence test and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The CBCL measures maladaptive behaviors, including internalizing (e.g., anxious, depressive) and externalizing (e.g., aggressive, hyperactive) behaviors. Children who received iron supplements showed better CBCL scores, indicating fewer behavioral problems. Nearly 13% of the no-iron group scored above the U.S. subclinical threshold, compared to only 2.9% in the 1-mg group and 2.7% in the 2-mg group. No significant IQ differences were found between groups. Iron deficiency is a concern in the United States, as reported by the CDC. Iron has been shown to reduce fatigue in women and increase fitness in teenagers. Additionally, babies born to obese mothers tend to have lower iron levels at birth, increasing risks for motor and cognitive developmental delays.
