This study examines the extent to which
iron deficiency in infancy contributes to adverse neurocognitive and educational outcomes in young adulthood directly and indirectly, through its influence on verbal cognition and attention problems in childhood. Young adults (N = 1,000, M age = 21.3 years, 52% female; of Spanish or indigenous descent) from working-class families in Santiago, Chile, completed instruments assessing memory, processing speed, mental flexibility, and educational attainment.
Iron status was assessed at ages 6, 12, and 18 months, and verbal intelligence, inattention, and
sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms were assessed at age 10. Results indicated that young adults who had
iron-deficiency in infancy had poor executive control at age 21. Severity of
iron deficiency during infancy was associated with lower verbal IQ and more frequent inattention and SCT symptoms in childhood, and with lower educational attainment in young adulthood through its effect on inattention. No additional indirect effects were found. Interventions directed toward improving cognitive and attention deficits linked to early-life
iron deficiency appear warranted and could alter the course to adult functioning. Further research on the impact of such interventions would be helpful. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).