Influence of iron deficiency on early brain development

Abstract

Iron is important micro-nutrient involved in the complex processes of brain formation, maturation and functioning. During early brain development, iron deficiency disturbs myelination, neurotransmitter metabolism and consequently alters brain functioning. Severe iron deficiency is accompanied by sideropenic anemia. Prioritizing of haematopetic utilization of iron leads to even greater risk of normal brain development and functioning. Moreover, severe iron depletion during the neonatal period and infancy, causes a permanent deficit in cognitive, social and general life achievements which leads to the conclusion that there is a critical period when a sufficient amount of iron is a prerequisite for basic brain developmental processes. The large number of infants with sideropenic anemia caused by malnourishment and parasitic diseases make this problem a high priority public health issue and accentuate primary and secondary prevention as crucial interventions.