Briefly Noted: Ferritin Levels and Cognitive Outcomes

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PC Parkin et al. J Pediatr 2020; 217:189-91.

In this study, the authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Optimizing Early Child Development Study (Toronto) with 745 healthy children.  The authors note that the setting is from a high resource area with high maternal education.

Key finding:

  • In pediatric patients, 1-3 years, higher serum ferritin values were associated with higher cognitive function as measured by the Mullen Scales of Early Learning
  • Ferritin of 17 mcg/L or higher corresponded to maximum level of cognition

Based on this study, the authors recommend obtaining a ferritin level at 12 months of age at same time when a hemoglobin is recommended.

My take: The implication of this study is that iron deficiency, even in the absence of socioeconomic status, can have a detrimental effect on cognitive outcomes.

Related blog post: Nutrition Week (Day 6) Iron Deficiency in Breastfed Infants

 

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