scholarly journals Iron status predicts cognitive test performance of primary school children from Kumasi, Ghana

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251335
Author(s):  
Afua Afreh Mantey ◽  
Reginald Adjetey Annan ◽  
Herman Erick Lutterodt ◽  
Peter Twumasi

Background Good nutritional status of school-aged children is crucial in achieving improved cognition. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and cognition of school-aged children in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. Methods 389 children were selected from ten government-owned schools. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients levels. Dietary intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and previous day’s nutrients intake. Cognition test was performed using the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrix (RCPM). Results Mean age of participants was 8.9±1.4 years, mean RCPM score was 17.9±5.4. More girls scored RCPM below the 40th percentile (45.5%) than boys (33.7%), while mother’s level of education significantly associated with RCPM percentiles of the children (p = 0.037). Four dietary patterns were generated from food frequency data, and scores of the second pattern, depicting vegetables, non-fruits, bread and cereals, showed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.132, p = 0.026) with previous day’s dietary zinc intake. Cognitive status did not vary by anthropometric and dietary patterns. More anemic (54.4%) than non-anemic (33.3%) children were below the 40th RCPM percentile. Mean previous day’s intake for folate (p<0.001), vitamin B6 (p = 0.018), iron (p<0.001), and zinc (p = 0.001) differed significantly between the cognitive test score percentiles of the children. Spearman rank correlation showed weak positive associations between RCPM score and hemoglobin (r = 0.246, p = 0.003) and serum ferritin (r = 0.176, p = 0.036). Binary regression analysis showed anemic children (aOR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0.2–0.8, p = 0.014), compared with non-anemic had decreased odds, while boys, compared with girls had increased odds (aOR = 2.0 95%CI = 1.0–4.0, p = 0.035) for scoring above the 50th RCPM percentile. Conclusions Iron status, especially hemoglobin levels, correlated with the cognitive performance of school-aged children in the metropolis. Thus nutritional strategies aimed at reducing iron deficiency anemia are needed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2110281
Author(s):  
Tesfaye Honja Kabero ◽  
Tafese Bosha ◽  
Fentaw Wassie Feleke ◽  
Demewoz Haile Weldegebreal ◽  
Barbara Stoecker

About 1 billion stunted school-aged children are growing up with impaired mental development which can lead to low cognitive performance, reduced school achievement, and low productivity. But there is scarce evidence on cognitive function, school performance and their associated factors among school aged children. The main aim of this study was to assess cognitive function, school performance and determine their association with nutritional status among school children aged 7 to 10 years at Soddo Town and Soddo Zuriya Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Institutional comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 178 primary school children. The Raven’s Color Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and selected tests from Kaufman assessment battery for children second edition were used. Mid-year average students’ examination result was also used. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25, WHO Anthro plus, and independent sample t-test. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were also used. Mean (±SD) cognitive test scores of urban study participants was 18.7 ± 3.4 for RCPM which was higher ( P < .001) as compared to rural (16.5 ± 3.3). The urban mean cognitive test scores was also higher for both pattern reasoning and visual processing with ( P < .001) as compared to rural counterparts. School performance was higher ( P < .001) for urban. Maternal education ( P < .002) and wealth index ( P < .006) were positively predicted while stunting ( P < .001) negatively predicted cognitive function test scores and school performance. Cognitive function and school performance of study participants were associated with their nutritional status and rural participants had significantly lower mean scores as compared to urban counterparts. Further study should be done to community level.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Miller ◽  
Sheldon Swaney ◽  
Amos Deinard

The WIC Program (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children) was initiated in the early 1970s to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women, lactating women, and children from birth to 5 years of age who were at risk for nutritionally related health problems. Better hematologic status of a group of preschool-aged infants who were enrolled in the WIC Program from birth, as compared with another group of similar age and socioeconomic status from the pre-WIC Program era, suggests that participation in the WIC Program will help limit the development of iron depletion or iron deficiency anemia in young children, an important consideration in view of the deleterious hematologic and nonhematologic effects that have been attributed to those conditions.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoko Horiuchi ◽  
Kaoru Kusama ◽  
Sar Kanha ◽  
Nobuo Yoshiike ◽  

: This study aimed to describe the nutritional status and dietary patterns of Cambodian school-aged children compared with those in the South East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS; Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in 2011) and to clarify the urban-rural differences using data from a nationally representative sample. The survey was conducted in 2014/2015 with a sample of 2020 children aged 6–17 years from 136 randomly selected schools. Standardized anthropometric measurements and a 1-day dietary survey by 24-hour recall method were conducted. Extended analyses in the present study revealed that the difference between rural and urban areas was similar to that of the SEANUTS; the overall prevalence of stunting remained high (33.2%). Stunting was more prevalent in children living in rural areas than in those in urban areas (total: 36.4% vs 20.4%). In contrast, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was not as high (3.1%), but was higher among urban children in all age groups compared with those living in rural areas (total: 6.4% vs 2.3%). Overall, the dietary intake of children did not meet the local recommended dietary allowances, which was similar to the results of the SEANUTS and differed across urban and rural areas.


2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (65) ◽  
pp. 9314-9328
Author(s):  
DA Othoo ◽  
◽  
J Waudo ◽  
EN Kuria ◽  
◽  
...  

Vitamin A and iron deficiencies are among nutritional deficiencies of public health concern in the developing countries. Infants, children, pregnant and lactating women are at high risk of both deficiencies as a result of inadequate dietary intakes and associated physiological changes that cause increased demands for nutrients. Focus has in the past been on vitamin A and iron status of children below five years with little on maternal vitamin A and iron status and dietary habits . Studies on dietary intakes of these nutrients among pregnant women are limited in Kenya . This study assessed vitamin A and iron consumption levels as well as relationship between vitamin A consumption level, iron consumption levels and nutritional status of pregnant women. A descriptive analytical case study was carried out among 162 pregnant women who were accessed from Ndhiwa Maternal and Child Health (MCH clinic) and outpatient sections and recruited for the study through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a semi -structured questionnaire and focused group discussion on home visits. The study found that most pregnant women (88%) did not meet their Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for vitamin A as indicated by intake of less than 800μg per day. Majority (9 1.4%) did not meet their RDA for iron as indicated by consumption levels of less than 30mg per day. About 29% had BMI of 19.0- 25.0. Other 61% had BMI of < 19.0 while 7% had BMI of 26.0- 29.0 while 3% had BMI of > 29.0. Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) showed 29% had normal nutritional status (≥21 cm). 61% were under nourished (<21 cm) while 10% were over nourished (>26 cm) . There existed significant relationship between vitamin A consumption levels, iron consumption levels and nutritional status of the pregnant women (r < 1, P < 0.05). Most women had two meals a day with irregular consumption of vitamin A and iron rich foods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1-3) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Hannisa Rizka Setiawati ◽  
Rini Sekartini

Background: In Indonesia, an estimated 23.6% of children aged 5-12 years old are short statured, therefore short stature is made one of the health priorities. Children with short stature are associated with low cognitive levels, so that it will have an impact on quality of life.Methods: This research was conducted in a cross-sectional study at SDN 01 Kampung Melayu, Jakarta, Indonesia. Subjects are children with short stature aged 6-12 years old. Data was taken by measuring height according to age with the curve used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Center for Health Statistics (CDC-NCHS) and total value from cognitive assessment using the Cognitive Test Battery for Individuals with and without Intellectual Disabilities (CIID) instrument. This research was conducted aiming to assess cognitive in primary school children with short stature.Results: There were 64 children with short stature in SDN 01 Kampung Melayu with CIID test results for Total Score obtained in the range of 5-26, with mean and standard deviations 13.59 ± 4.54. Non Verbal Score was obtained in the range 7-39, with mean and standard deviations 21.94 ± 7.51. Hopkins Verbal Learning Test obtained range 6-31, with mean and standard deviations 19.36 ± 5.90. Verbal Fluency is obtained in the range of 5-26, with mean and standard deviations 13.59 ± 4.54. Compared with previous studies, subjects with short stature have values similar to those of children with normal stature. No significant difference was found between short stature children with underweight nutritional status and short stature children with normal nutritional status, with p=0.369.Conclusion: There were 64 children with short stature and the total score ranging from 5-26, with mean and standard deviations 13.59 ± 4.54


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiao-Ming Chen ◽  
Shu-Ci Mu ◽  
Chun-Kuang Shih ◽  
Yi-Ling Chen ◽  
Li-Yi Tsai ◽  
...  

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) typically occur in developing countries. Notably, ID and IDA can affect an infant’s emotion, cognition, and development. Breast milk is considered the best food for infants. However, recent studies have indicated that breastfeeding for more than six months increases the risk of ID. This study investigated the prevalence of ID and IDA, as well as the association between feeding type and iron nutritional status in northern Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on infants who returned to the well-baby clinic for routine examination from October 2012 to January 2014. Overall, 509 infants aged 1–12 months completed the iron nutritional status analysis, anthropometric measurement, and dietary intake assessment, including milk and complementary foods. The results revealed that 49 (10%) and 21 (4%) infants in their first year of life had ID and IDA, respectively, based on the World Health Organization criteria. Breastfed infants had a higher prevalence rate of ID and IDA than mixed-fed and formula-fed infants (p < 0.001). Regarding biomarkers of iron status, plasma hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and transferrin saturation (%) levels were significantly lower in ID and IDA groups. The prevalence of ID and IDA were 3.7% and 2.7%, respectively, in infants under six months of age, but increased to 20.4% and 6.6%, respectively, in infants above six months of age. The healthy group had a higher total iron intake than ID and IDA groups, mainly derived from infant formula. The total dietary iron intake was positively correlated with infants’ Hb levels. Compared with formula-fed infants, the logistic regression revealed that the odds ratio for ID was 2.157 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.369–3.399) and that for IDA was 4.196 (95% CI: 1.780–9.887) among breastfed infants (p < 0.001) after adjusted for all confounding factors (including gestational week, birthweight, sex, body weight percentile, body length percentile, age of infants, mothers’ BMI, gestational weight gain, education level, and hemoglobin level before delivery). In conclusion, our results determined that breastfeeding was associated with an increased the prevalence of ID and/or IDA, especially in infants above six months. This suggests that mothers who prolonged breastfeed after six months could provide high-quality iron-rich foods to reduce the prevalence of ID and IDA.


Author(s):  
Arun Kumar Pandey ◽  
Soni Rani

Background: Children health is an important concern for all societies since it contributes to overall development. The present position with regards to health and nutritional status of children is not satisfactory despite of mid-day meal programme running in government run schools. This study is conducted to assess the proportion of children, aged between 6 year to 11 years having anemia and socio demographic factors associated with iron deficiency anemia among selected children.Methods: For the purpose of study a list of all government primary schools of Katihar had been prepared and equal numbers of students were examined from randomly selected schools. By taking the prevalence of anemia 50% among school children for confidence level 95% with 10% relative precision with sample size comes out to be 384. The sample size was doubled to cover both boys and girls in the study. A total of 800 students (426 boys and 374 girls) in the age group of 6-11 years were interviewed and examined.Results: Out of 800 children total 343 (42.88%) were anemic. The prevalence of anemia was 37.96% among boys and 48.07% among girls. The prevalence of mild and moderate anemia among boys was 32.05% and 67.95% and 70.8% and 29.2% among girls respectively. The prevalence of anemia was high among lower and upper lower socio-economic status (100% and 45.32%). The proportion of anemic children showed a significant association with education of mother and nutritional status. Proportion of anemia decreased significantly with increase in education status of mother.Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia was found high among primary school children. Major factors which influence the prevalence of anemia were socioeconomic status, mother education and nutritional status of children.


2005 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L. Williams ◽  
Sheila M. Innis

A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed and tested for assessing iron nutrition in infants through comparison with a three-day food record (3d-FR) and measures of iron status. Parents of 148 infants aged eight to 26 months completed a 3d-FR and an FFQ. Blood was collected for measures of hemoglobin (Hgb), ferritin, and transferrin receptor (sTfR). Iron deficiency anemia and iron depletion (ferritin ≤12 µg/L) were found in 9% and 26% of infants, respectively. The intakes of energy, total iron, heme and non-heme iron, vitamin C, and dietary fibre determined by the FFQ were associated with the intakes of the same nutrient determined by the 3d-FR (p<0.05). The intakes of energy, total iron, non-heme and heme iron, vitamin C, and fibre were significantly higher when estimated by the FFQ than by the 3d-FR. Total and heme iron intakes determined by the FFQ were significantly associated with serum ferritin, sTfR, and the sTfR:ferritin ratio (p<0.05). However, iron intakes explained <10% of the variability in iron status. Despite relative validity of the FFQ for evaluating differences in energy, iron, vitamin C, and fibre intake compared with a 3d-FR, FFQs need further development before they can be used to advance assessment of iron intake and status in infants.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa Pries ◽  
Andrea Rehman ◽  
Suzanne Filteau ◽  
Nisha Sharma ◽  
Atul Upadhyay ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Consumption of unhealthy snack foods and beverages (USFB) among young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is rising, however, little is known about their effect on nutritional outcomes during the complementary feeding period. This study aimed to assess the association of high versus low USFB consumption on the iron status and growth of 12–23 month old children living in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February – April 2017 among a representative sample of 12–23 month old children and their caregivers (n = 745). Dietary (interactive 4-pass 24 hour recalls) and anthropometric measurements and capillary blood samples were collected to estimate dietary intakes of energy and nutrients, Z-scores for length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-length (WLZ), and indices of iron status. Percentages of dietary energy intakes (%TEI) from USFB (defined using the United Kingdom's Food Standard Agency's nutrient profiling model) were calculated. LAZ, WLZ, hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), and transferrin receptor (TR) concentrations of children classified into the lowest versus the highest terciles of %TEI from USFB were compared using multivariable linear regression analyses after adjustment for covariates that influence nutrition. Results Ninety-one % of all children had consumed a USFB in the previous day. On average, 46.9% TEI came from USFB among the highest tercile consumers, compared to 5.2% TEI among the lowest. Nineteen % of children (n = 138) were stunted (LAZ < –2), 5.2% (n = 38) were wasted (WLZ < -2), while only four children were overweight/obese (WHZ > 2). Thirty-eight % of children (n = 257) were anemic and 28.7% (n = 193) had iron deficiency anemia. In the adjusted model, mean LAZ was nearly 0.3SD lower among high USFB consumers than low consumers (P = 0.003). No associations were found with WLZ or biochemical concentrations. Conclusions In this LMIC context, urban 1–2 year old children who were high USFB consumers were significantly shorter compared to those who were low USFB consumers. To safeguard child nutrition in LMIC, policies and programs many need to address the increasing access and use of inexpensive, nutrient-poor USFB. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.


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