In a report in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, they said low levels of hemoglobin at eight months significantly predicted motor skills difficulties when the children were 18 months old. Children with levels of hemoglobin less than 95 grams per liter of blood scored six points lower on motor skill tests than babies with higher levels. Hemoglobin levels less than 90 were linked with a 12 point drop on motor skill tests. The researchers suspect eight months is a crucial time because the infant's brain growth spurt is at its maximum. The brain grows very rapidly around this time and may require more iron.
Anemia can be due to a number of causes.
In the case of young babies the researchers suspect it is caused by poor diet and rapid growth. Studies have shown that iron supplements can relieve the condition. The researchers are now trying to determine if the developmental problems they witnessed at 18 months continue and are evident when the children reach four and seven years old. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters Limited content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters Limited.