Childhood anemia leads to mental retardation
Iron deficiency anemia increases the risk of stunted mental development in children, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers from the University of Miami linked early childhood nutrition data collected by the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and school records for 5400 children. They used hemoglobin values to determine the relation between anemia in early life and children's placement in special education classes for mild or moderate mental retardation.
The results showed an increased likelihood of mild or moderate mental retardation associated with anemia.
