Multiple Biomarkers of Maternal Iron Predict Infant Cognitive Outcomes

Dev Neuropsychol. 2017;42(3):146-159. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2017.1306530. Epub 2017 May 3.

Abstract

This study examined relations between multiple measures of maternal iron status assessed 3 months post-partum, and infant processing speed (longest look during visual habituation), memory (novelty preference), attention (heart rate changes), and neural response variability (in auditory event-related potentials) at 3 and 9 months. Plasma iron was associated with 9-month novelty preference and longest look, and developmental changes in longest look. Hemoglobin predicted sustained attention, and both plasma iron and soluble transferrin receptors predicted neural response variability at 9 months. Improved maternal iron appears to have a positive impact on infant cognitive development even in a well-nourished, low-risk sample.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / chemistry*
  • Child Development / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mothers
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Iron