Learning achievement and behavior at school of anemic and non-anemic infants

In a prospective study the learning achievement and behaviour of second grade children who were anemic in infancy ( n = 20) was compared with that of non-anemic children ( n = 55). All children received preventive care and were under surveillance from birth at the Community Health and Research Center of Hadassah in Jerusalem. The anemic children had a hemoglobin level of less than 10.5 g/dl whereas the comparison group had more than 11.5 g/dl at 9 months of age. The learning achievement score was significantly lower in the anemic group 9.3 S.D. 3.8, than in the non-anemic group 11.5 S.D. 2.9 (P = 0.009). The positive task orientation was also significantly lower in the anemic group, though on additional behavior scores no differences were found. Differences remained significant even after controlling for maternal education and sex of child in a multivariate analysis. It is possible that an iron deficiency state which persists during the critical period of brain development in infancy has long-lasting effects on cognitive functioning. Prevention of iron deficiency may contribute to promotion of child development and better achievement.