Describe the developmental and long-term risks associated with iron deficiency in infants

Answer 1

Both iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and iron deficiency without anemia (ID) during infancy are of major significance because of their relationship with neurodevelopment and behavior. Research in infants who have long-term and severe iron-deficiency anemia suggests inadequate iron contributes to long-term learning delays from its role in central nervous system development. Iron deficiency is associated with poor cognitive, motor and socio-emotional development in infancy, and in later childhood with poor cognition and school achievement.