In anaemic groups supplementation improved intelligence quotient ( IQ ) by 2.5 points ( 95 % CI 1.24 to 3.76 ) , but had no effect on non-anaemic participants , or on memory , psychomotor skills or scholastic achievement .
Background In observational studies anaemia and iron deficiency are associated with cognitive deficits , suggesting that iron supplementation may improve cognitive function .
However , due to the potential for confounding by socio-economic status in observational studies , this needs to be verified in data from r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) .
Aim To assess whether iron supplementation improved cognitive domains : concentration , intelligence , memory , psychomotor skills and scholastic achievement .
Iron deficiency and educational achievement in Thailand.
This double-blind clinical trial was conducted in Thail and to assess the impact of iron treatment on the IQ and educational attainment of 1358 9 - 11-y-old children . The children were classified into one of three groups : iron replete , iron depleted , and iron-deficient anemic . The Raven Progressive Matrices was used to measure IQ . A Thai language and a math test were administered to assess school attainment . A 50-mg/d tablet of ferrous sulphate was given for 2 wk and a 100 mg/d tablet , for 14 wk . An anthelminthic drug was given on the day of the blood test before treatment and 3 mo after the intervention started . There is evidence of a positive association between iron status and IQ and a language school achievement test but there is no support for the internal validity of the hypothesis that this association is causal
In anaemic groups supplementation improved intelligence quotient ( IQ ) by 2.5 points ( 95 % CI 1.24 to 3.76 ) , but had no effect on non-anaemic participants , or on memory , psychomotor skills or scholastic achievement .
Background In observational studies anaemia and iron deficiency are associated with cognitive deficits , suggesting that iron supplementation may improve cognitive function .
However , due to the potential for confounding by socio-economic status in observational studies , this needs to be verified in data from r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) .
Aim To assess whether iron supplementation improved cognitive domains : concentration , intelligence , memory , psychomotor skills and scholastic achievement .