Long-term Developmental Outcome of Infants with Iron Deficiency

This study was a follow-up evaluation of a group of Costa Rican children whose iron status and treatment were documented in infancy. The study found that while no children had iron-deficiency anemia at five years of age, those with iron-deficiency anemia in infancy had lower scores on tests of mental and motor functioning. These findings indicate that children who have iron-deficiency anemia in infancy may be at risk for long-lasting developmental disadvantages and highlight the importance of efforts to prevent iron deficiency.