Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Iron deficiency anemia(IDA) is the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world, particularly among children and females of reproductive age in developing countries. IDA alters brain biochemistry and function with possible irreversible damage at the cellular and neuronal levels. On the other hand, the effects of iron deficiency may vary depending on age and as a result different neural responses can be received. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of iron therapy on cognitive function in women with IDA who were referred to educational clinical centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2003. Patients & Method: In this clinical before-after treatment trial, 42 women aged 18 to 49, who were known as cases of IDA according to WHO criteria(Hb<12g/dl, Hct<36%, MCV<82 fl, MCH<26pg, and MCHC<32g/l), were selected. The effect of iron therapy was assessed by hematological, biochemical(serum iron and ferritin, TIBC=Total Iron Binding Capacity, and TS=Transferin Saturation) and cognitive tests which were done before treatment started and repeated after the intervention. We used four tests of so called Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised as assessment of cognitive function. The dietary iron intake was evaluated before and in the fourth and eighth weeks after iron therapy using a 24-hour food recall. The data were analyzed using Nutritionist IV and SPSS software. Results: Post intervention hematological and biochemical measures of iron status improved noticeably(P<0.001). Dietary iron intake was 28.8 mg/d, which did not change considerably before, during and after iron therapy. Figural memory, Digits Span, Verbal Paired Associate, and Visual Reproduction scores (34.5%, 43.3%, 43.7% and 27.2% respectively) increased significantly after intervention(P<0.001). There were positive correlations between an increase in Hb and figural memory(P<0.05, r=0.31), Hct and figural memory(P<0.05, r=o.32), and MCH and Digits Span(P<0.05, r=0.33). Conclusion: These findings show that iron therapy in iron deficient women improves their memory, but further studies are required to assess physiological and psychological causes.