Effect of iron and zinc deficiency on short term memory in children

Objective To evaluate the effect of iron and zinc deficiency on short term memory of children in the age group of 6–11 years and to assess the response to supplementation therapy. Design Interventional study. Setting 100 children in the age group of 6–11 years (subdivided into 6–8 yr and 9–11 yr groups) from an urban corporation school. Methods After collection of demographic data, the study children underwent hematological assessment which included serum iron, serum zinc, and hemoglobin estimation. Based on the results, they were divided into Iron deficient, Zinc deficient, and Combined deficiency groups. Verbal and nonverbal memory assessment was done in all the children. Intervention Iron (2mg/kg bodyweight in two divided doses) and zinc (5mg once-a-day) supplementation for a period of 3 months for children in the deficient group. Results All children with iron and zinc deficiency in both the age groups had memory deficits. Combined deficiency in 9–11 years group showed severe degree of affectation in verbal ( P