Gut Leakage Markers and Cognitive Functions in Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly seen mental disorder in children. Intestinal permeability may be associated with the pathogenesis of ADHD. The study herein investigated the role of gut leakage biomarkers in the susceptibility of ADHD. A total of 130 children with ADHD and 73 healthy controls (HC) individuals were recruited. Serum concentrations of zonulin, occludin, and defensin (DEFA1) were determined. Visual attention was assessed with Conners’ continuous performance test (CPT). In order to rate participants’ ADHD core symptoms at home and school, their parents and teachers completed the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham—Version IV Scale (SNAP-IV), respectively. We found significantly lower DEFA1 levels in the ADHD group compared to that in the HC group (p = 0.008), but not serum levels of zonulin and occludin. The serum levels of DEFA1 showed an inverse correlation with the inattention scores in the SNAP-IV parent form (p = 0.042) and teacher form (p = 0.010), and the hyperactivity/impulsivity scores in the SNAP-IV teacher form (p = 0.014). The serum levels of occludin showed a positive correlation with the subtest of detectability in the CPT (p = 0.020). Our study provides new reference into the relation between gut leakage markers and cognition, which may advance research of the pathophysiology of ADHD.

Dietary Iron Intake in Relation to Age at Menarche: A Prospective Cohort Study in Chilean Girls

BACKGROUND

Early onset of menarche is considered an important risk factor for a number of diseases in adulthood. Iron intake may be related to pubertal timing because of its role in childhood growth and reproductive function.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the relation between dietary iron intake and age at menarche in a prospective cohort of Chilean girls.

METHODS

Overall, 602 Chilean girls were included in the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study, a longitudinal study that began in 2006 when the girls were 3-4 y old. Starting in 2013, diet was assessed every 6 mo through 24-h recall. The date of menarche was reported every 6 mo. Our analysis included 435 girls with prospective data on diet and age at menarche. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model with restricted cubic splines to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for the association between cumulative mean iron intake and age at menarche.

RESULTS

Most girls (99.5%) attained menarche with a mean (standard deviation) age at menarche of 12.2 (0.9) y. The mean dietary iron intake was 13.5 (range: 4.0-30.6) mg/d. Only 3.7% of girls consumed below 8 mg/d, the RDA. After multivariable adjustment, cumulative mean iron intake had a nonlinear association with menarche (P-for-nonlinearity: 0.02). Iron intakes above the RDA, between 8 and 15 mg/d, were associated with progressively lower probability of earlier menarche. Above 15 mg/d, the HRs were imprecise but tended to approach the null as iron intake increased. This association was attenuated after adjusting for girls' BMI and height before menarche (P-for-nonlinearity: 0.11).

CONCLUSION

In Chilean girls, iron intake during late childhood, independent of body weight, was not an important determinant of menarche timing.

Iron Status, Anemia, and Iron Interventions and Their Associations with Cognitive and Academic Performance in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

In adolescents, iron-deficiency anemia is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years lost. The World Health Organization recommends delivering iron supplementation through school-based platforms, requiring partnerships with the education sector. This anemia-reduction intervention is valued for the perceived benefits of improved learning and school performance. This article aims to systematically review the available evidence on the relationship between iron status and anemia and impacts of iron interventions on cognitive and academic performance in adolescents. Fifty studies were included: n = 26 cross-sectional and n = 24 iron-containing interventions. Our review suggests that iron status and anemia may be associated with academic performance in some contexts and that iron supplementation during adolescence may improve school performance, attention, and concentration. However, nearly all supplementation trials were judged to have moderate or high risk of bias. We did not find evidence suggesting that iron status and anemia influenced or were associated with attention, intelligence, nor memory in adolescents. Further, iron supplementation did not improve memory and recall or intelligence. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to guide programmers and policy makers to understand the relationships between anemia and educational performance and the potential impacts of iron interventions, which effectively reduce anemia, on adolescents’ learning and school performance.

Drivers of Pigeon Pea Consumption Among School-Aged Children in Central Tanzania

Background: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and iron deficiencies (ID) are of major public health concern in Tanzania including among school-aged children. PEM and ID in early childhood have serious, long-term consequences because they impede motor, sensory, social and emotional development, growth retardation, poor cognitive development, learning disability of children, lowered resistance to infectious diseases, and reduced physical work capacity. The objective of this study was to elucidate the drivers of pigeon pea consumption among school-aged children in Dodoma district, Central Tanzania. Understanding these drivers would be useful in promoting pigeon pea consumption among school-aged children as one of the strategies to increase dietary protein and iron intake.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study in which data were collected using a questionnaire based on a combination of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model. The data were collected from caregivers (n = 138) in four villages in Kongwa district, Dodoma region, Central Tanzania. We used correlations and multiple regressions to assess associations between constructs and identify predictive constructs. Mann–Whitney U tests were used for score comparisons with a significant p-value set at <0.10.

Results: Health value was significantly correlated with health behavior identity (rs = 0.63, p < 0.001) and also significantly predicted health behavior identity (rs = 0.49, p = 0.001). The constructs cues to action and control belief were significantly associated with intention (β = −0.41, p = 0.059 and β = 0.06, p = 0.019 respectively). Finally, we observed that intention was a significant predictor of behavior (β = 1.38, p = 0.001). We also observed a significant negative interaction between perceived barriers and intention to consume pigeon pea (β = −0.04, p = 0.006), indicating that perceived barriers limit intention to consume pigeon pea.

Conclusion and Implication: Our findings indicate that when the caregiver places increased importance on preventing her school-aged child from being iron or protein deficient or indeed anemic (health value), it results in a positive evaluation of the effectiveness of giving pigeon pea to address these nutrient deficiencies. Programs and efforts aimed at promoting pigeon pea consumption should focus on educating caregivers on iron and protein deficiency and the role that pigeon pea could play in addressing these. However, perceived barriers such as pest infestation during storage need to be addressed to increase pigeon pea consumption. The involvement of post-harvest management specialists is therefore crucial. Along with this, increasing productivity and crop management is also crucial to ensure year-round affordable supply of pigeon pea.

Association of vitamin A with anemia and serum hepcidin levels in children aged 6 to 59 mo

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the association of serum retinol, hepcidin levels, and anemia in children.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 312 children, ages 6 to 59 mo, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The association between hepcidin and retinol levels, hematologic parameters, and body mass index (BMI) was analyzed using a generalized linear model with and without adjustment for C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Logistic regression analysis was used to test anemia as an outcome and serum retinol level as a predictive variable using the odds ratio (OR) function.

RESULTS

Anemia was present in 14.6% of the children, 5.8% presented iron deficiency anemia, and 9.6% had vitamin A deficiency. The increase in serum retinol levels reduced the chances of anemia (OR = 0.13; confidence interval = 0.29-0.59). When CRP level was not adjusted for in the multiple regression analyses, retinol, ferritin levels, and BMI/age were predictors of serum hepcidin levels (β = -3.36, 0.14, 1.02, respectively; P = 0.032). Accordingly, serum retinol levels were inversely associated with CRP levels (β = -0.025 and P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between serum retinol and hepcidin levels in children ages 6 to 59 mo seems to be dependent on inflammation. Taken together, the results reinforce the need for the development of further studies to better understand the relationship between vitamin A and anemia of inflammation.

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

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 40^th 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 40^th 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 50^th 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.

Nutritional Status of Children 24-60 Months Attending Early Child Development Centres in a Semi-Rural Community in South Africa

Despite the numerous efforts to improve the nutritional status of children, a high prevalence of malnutrition still exists in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status of children attending Early Child Development centres in South Africa. In this baseline study, we randomly selected two Early Child Development centres comprising 116 children aged 24-60 months, separated into two cohorts, of 24-47 months and 48-60 months. Dietary intake was measured through the 24 hDR and analysed using Food Finder software. The food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate the food variety and food group diversity scores. Anthropometric measurements were taken and the WHO Anthro software was used to convert it to nutritional data indices. Blood samples were collected through dried blood spot cards in order to determine serum retinol and haemoglobin levels and they were assessed using WHO indicators. The findings showed that participants between 24 and 47 months had a high mean energy intake (4906.2 kJ and 4997.9 kJ for girls and boys, respectively). For the 48-60 months age group, energy intake was lower than the EER (5936.4 kJ and 5621.2 kJ; p = 0.038). There was low fruit and vegetable consumption (24-47 months; 63.8 g and 69.5 g (p = 0.037), 48-60 months; 68.3 g and 74.4 g (p = 0.038) and the top five foods consumed were carbohydrate rich foods for girls and boys, respectively. Stunting was noted in 7% and 20% (48-60 months) (p = 0.012) and overweight in 8% and 17% (24-47 months) and 17% and 13% (48-60 months) (p = 0.041) in girls and boys, respectively. Low serum retinol levels (<0.070 µmol/L) were found in 9.1% of boys (24-47 months), and 8% and 7.4% of girls and boys (48-60 months), respectively. Low haemoglobin levels (<11.0 g/dL) were found in 50.0% and 30.4% (24-47 months) and 8.6% and 39.3% (48-60 months) of girls and boys, respectively. Malnutrition, despite many national and provincial initiatives, still exists in Early Childhood Development centres in South Africa, calling for the application of contextualized nutrition interventions to suit resource-poor settings.

Body iron and lead status in early childhood and its effects on development and cognition: a longitudinal study from urban Vellore

OBJECTIVE

Early childhood factors can have persisting effects on development and cognition in children. We propose to explore the trends of Fe deficiency and Pb toxicity in early childhood and their association with child development at 2 years of age and cognition at 5 years.

DESIGN

Longitudinal birth cohort study.

SETTING

Urban slum, Vellore, India.

PARTICIPANTS

Children enrolled at birth were followed up regularly in the first 2 years with developmental and cognitive assessments at 2 and 5 years of age, respectively.

RESULTS

The birth cohort enrolled 251 children with 228 children followed up at 2 years and 212 at 5 years of age. Fe deficiency (ID) was highest at 15 months of age and improved subsequently at 24 months. Blood Pb levels (BLL) remained high at all age groups with an increasing trend with age; 97 % at 36 months having high BLL. Persistent high mean BLL at 15 and 24 months had negative association with both cognition and expressive language raw scores of 24 months, while high mean BLL at 15, 24 and 36 months had no significant association with any of the domains of cognition at 5 years of age. Early childhood cumulative body Fe status at 7, 15 and 24 months did not show any association with child development at 2 years, but was associated with verbal, performance and processing speed components of cognition at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimising body Fe status and limiting Pb exposure in early childhood can augment child development and school entry cognition.

Paradoxical regulation of iron in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex induces schizophrenic-like symptoms in male rats

Introduction: Social isolation induces schizophrenic-like symptoms. Iron is an essential element for brain functions. The aim of this study is to investigate if the emergence of schizophrenia after social isolation is the result of impaired iron metabolism in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex.Methods and materials: In this study, 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: 1) grouped housed (GH), 2) socially isolated (SI), 3) grouped housed + vehicle, 4) grouped housed + morphine, 5) socially isolated + vehicle and 6) socially isolated + morphine. After 14 days of social isolation and group housing, behavioral experiments were performed. Then, the iron in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and serum was assessed.Results: SI rats were more anxious in compared to GH rats. Memory was better in GH rats compared to SI rats. SI rats had more locomotor activity compared to GH rats. Iron was higher in the hippocampus in GH rats compared to SI rats. Paradoxically iron was higher in the prefrontal cortex in SI rats compared to GH rats. In serum, iron was higher in GH rats compared to SI rats.Conclusion: Emergence of schizophrenic-like symptoms is associated with the paradoxical concentration of iron in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in the isolation period. Further studies are recommended to investigate the possible specific changes in ion transporters and the metabolism of the neurotransmitter that occurs as the result of this paradoxical regulation.

Association between circulating zinc/ferritin levels and parent Conner's scores in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders among children and adolescents. In this prospective study, we aimed to measure circulating zinc and ferritin levels in children with ADHD, pick up the deficient ones to give zinc and iron supplements then compare before and after treatment according to their Conner's scores and Wecsler IQ test. Current study included fifty children diagnosed as having ADHD by DSMV criteria, their zinc and ferritin levels were measured by Colorimetric method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. They were divided into: group I (zinc only deficient),group II (zinc and ferritin deficient),group III (non-deficient), cases with mineral deficiency received zinc (55 mg/day) and/or iron (6 mg/kg/day) for 6 months then reassessed by parent Conner's rating scale. In group 1, there was no significant difference between the Wecsler verbal and non-verbal IQ scores and oppositional and cognitive problems in Conner's scores before and after zinc supplements, although there was significant improvement in attention, hyperactivity, emotional liability and impulsivity. In group II, there was significant improvement in verbal and total IQ but not in performance IQ, also there was significant improvement in hyperactivity, emotional liability and impulsivity with no significant difference in oppositional, cognitive problems and inattention before and after zinc/ iron supplements. In Conclusion, Zinc supplements in adjuvant to the main treatment significantly improved symptoms of ADHD children. However, a combined zinc and iron supplements was superior to zinc alone in alleviating ADHD symptoms as well as IQ improvement.

Health and educational achievement of school-aged children: The impact of anaemia and iron status on learning

Background

Anaemia is a common blood disorder in children and is known to cause complications such as lethargy and stress on bodily organs. Children from disadvantaged communities often fail to achieve their age-related potential with iron deficiency anaemia stated as a risk factor through causing inattentiveness and learning problems. Limited evidence exists for the adverse effects of iron deficiency anaemia on the developing child’s brain from South African studies.

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine the local prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency and to examine their association with psychomotor development and school performance in school-aged children.

Setting

This study was conducted in a peri-urban disadvantaged community from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

Children aged 6 to 8 years from KwaZulu-Natal were enrolled (n = 184). Three parameters of assessment were used: clinical data, biochemical data (haemoglobin levels and iron studies) and school performance (interviews with caregivers, teachers and the children). Anaemia presence and iron deficiency were the hypothesised mediating variables through which growth, development and school performance were influenced.

Results

A high point prevalence of anaemia (23.4%), iron deficiency anaemia (4.9%) and helminth infection (27.1%) was identified. Impaired cognitive assessment scores (20.7%) were prevalent in the children sampled. Behavioural problems (4.3%), poor memory function (4.3%) and impaired attention (1.1%) were of low prevalence. Anaemia and iron deficiency were both associated with impaired fine motor skills (p < 0.05). Anaemia was significantly associated with low cognitive scores (p = 0.01). Neither anaemia, iron status nor helminth infection significantly predicted school performance in the children sampled.

Conclusions

The point prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency among the sampled children was higher than the national prevalence. The sample size was however inadequate for drawing statistical conclusions about psychomotor development and school performance because of the low prevalence of the different outcomes that were examined. Practical challenges faced in conducting this investigation in rural South African schools were discussed.

Auditory brainstem response in infants with iron deficiency anemia

BACKGROUND

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) in infants with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) helps in understanding the auditory aspects of central nervous system.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse and compare absolute and interpeak latencies of ABR in infants with and without IDA.

METHODS

ABR traces were obtained from 40 anemic ears and 40 non anemic ears, aged 6-24 months. ABR was recorded with 11.1/s clicks at different intensity levels.

RESULTS

Absolute latencies of all the peaks were prolonged in infants with IDA at 70, 50 and 30 dBnHL except for peak I. Amplitude of peaks I, III and V was not statistically different between the two groups at 70 and 50 dBnHL. Reduced peak amplitude was noted only at 30 dBnHL in infants with IDA which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Interpeak interval showed no significant difference between anemic and non-anemic infants at 70 dBnHL. Prolonged interpeak latency of peak III-V and I-V was noted at 50 and 30dBnHL.

CONCLUSION

Functional development of auditory system seems to be affected due to iron deficiency. IDA has a long lasting effects on central auditory system when IDA is left untreated This will in turn lead to an alteration in the neuro-functional maturation.

Prevalence of anemia and consumption of iron-rich food groups in Mexican children and adolescents: Ensanut MC 2016

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of anemia and con-sumption of iron rich groups among Mexican children and adolescents who participated in the Halfway National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2016.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study sample included children and adolescents who provided full capillary hemoglobin data. Anemia was defined accord-ing to WHO criteria. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association among consumption of iron-rich food groups, sociodemographic characteristics and anemia.

RESULTS

In 2016, the prevalence of anemia was 26.9% in children aged 1 to 4 years old, 12.5% in those aged 5 to 11, and 9.6% in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Rates were the highest among females who lived in the southern and central parts of Mexico, belonged to an indigenous ethnic group and fell within the first tercile of the Household Wealth Index. Consumption of beef by preschoolers and viscera by ado-lescents was associated with lower risk for anemia; higher risk was associated with consumption of Liconsa milk and non-heme iron by preschoolers.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia is highly prevalent in Mexican children and adolescents, affect-ing mainly the poorest and youngest populations. Sources of heme iron are the principal dietary factor associated with low risk for anemia.

Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping of Term Babies on Neurodevelopment at 12 Months: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is associated with an improved iron status at 8 months, a reduction of anemia at 12 months, and an improved development at 4 years. Assessment of the development after DCC has not been performed earlier in a setting with a high prevalence of iron deficiency.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of DCC compared to early cord clamping (ECC) on the development evaluated with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) at 12 months of age.

METHOD

We conducted a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of DCC (≥180 s) versus ECC (≤60 s) in 540 full-term deliveries. Twelve months after delivery, the parents reported their infant's development by ASQ. Infants having a score < 1 standard deviation (SD) under the mean score were considered "at risk" of affected neurodevelopment.

RESULTS

At 12 months of age, 332 (61.5%) infants were assessed. Fewer children in the DCC group were "at risk" of having affected neurodevelopment measured by the ASQ total score, 21 (7.8%) versus 49 (18.1%) in the ECC group. The relative risk was 0.43 (0.26-0.71). Infants in the DCC group had higher mean total scores (SD), 290.4 (10.4) versus 287.2 (10.1), p = 0.01. Significantly fewer infants in the delayed group were "at risk" and had higher scores in the domains "communication", "gross motor", and "personal-social".

CONCLUSIONS

DCC after 3 min was associated with an improvement of the overall neurodevelopment assessed at 12 months of age as compared to infants in the group with cord clamping within 1 min.

Screening for Iron Deficiency in Early Childhood Using Serum Ferritin in the Primary Care Setting

OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening for anemia using hemoglobin at 12 months. However, hemoglobin lacks diagnostic accuracy for iron deficiency, and the optimal age for screening has not been determined. Our objective was to assess a screening strategy for iron deficiency using serum ferritin.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of children 1 to 3 years old attending a health supervision visit. We examined the relationship between child age and serum ferritin, age and hemoglobin, hemoglobin and serum ferritin, and the prevalence of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS

Restricted cubic spline analysis (n = 1735) revealed a nonlinear relationship between age and serum ferritin (P < .0001). A linear spline model revealed that from 12 to 15 months, for each 1-month increase in age, serum ferritin levels decreased by 9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5 to 13). From 15 to 24 months, the rate of change was nonsignificant. From 24 to 38 months, for each month increase in age, serum ferritin increased by 2% (95% CI: 1 to 2). For hemoglobin, from 12 to 24 months, the rate of change was nonsignificant. From 24 to 38 months, for each 1-month increase in age, hemoglobin increased by 20% (95% CI: 9 to 32). Compared with the serum ferritin cutoff of <12 μg/L, the hemoglobin cutoff of <110 g/L had a sensitivity of 25% (95% CI: 19 to 32) and a specificity of 89% (95% CI: 87 to 91). Elevated CRP ≥10 mg/L occurred in 3.3% (95% CI: 2.5 to 4.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for iron deficiency using serum ferritin at 15 or 18 months may be a promising strategy. For children at low risk for acute inflammation, concurrent measurement of CRP may not be necessary.

Maternal iron nutriture as a critical modulator of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder risk in alcohol-exposed pregnancies

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy places the fetus at risk for permanent physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments, collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) outcomes vary widely, and growing evidence suggests that maternal nutrition is a modifying factor. Certain nutrients, such as iron, may modulate FASD outcomes. Untreated gestational iron deficiency (ID) causes persistent neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring that affect many of the same domains damaged by PAE. Although chronic alcohol consumption enhances iron uptake and elevates liver iron stores in adult alcoholics, alcohol-abusing premenopausal women often have low iron reserves due to menstruation, childbirth, and poor diet. Recent investigations show that low iron reserves during pregnancy are strongly associated with a worsening of several hallmark features in FASD including reduced growth and impaired associative learning. This review discusses recent clinical and animal model findings that maternal ID worsens fetal outcomes in response to PAE. It also discusses underlying mechanisms by which PAE disrupts maternal and fetal iron homeostasis. We suggest that alcohol-exposed ID pregnancies contribute to the severe end of the FASD spectrum.

Preparation and Evaluation of Taste Masking Iron Suspension: Taking Advantage of Weak Cationic Exchange Resin

The objective of this study is to use weak acid cation exchange resin to mask the taste and eliminate the teeth staining problems of ferrous sulfate liquid preparations for use in pediatrics. Amberlite IPR64 was loaded by Fe(II). Then, different suspensions of the iron-resin complex were prepared using various polymers as the suspending agents, and sorbitol as well as sucrose as sweeteners. Physical stability, rheological assessment, kinetics of Fe(II) release, and taste evaluation of suspensions were studied. The results implied that the prepared iron suspension was more stable when xanthan gum is used as the suspending agent. It was also shown that iron release in 0.7% NaCl (similar to saliva) was very negligible compared to relatively quick release in acidic medium (resembled the stomach). Overall, the volunteers confirmed that the formulations were successful in iron taste masking. The pH-dependent process of ion exchange by weak cationic resins opens an attractive approach to access a taste-masked iron suspension for infants.

Iron deficiency beyond erythropoiesis: should we be concerned?

OBJECTIVE

To consider the key implications of iron deficiency for biochemical and physiological functions beyond erythropoiesis.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for relevant journal articles published up to August 2017.

RESULTS

Anemia is the most well-recognized consequence of persisting iron deficiency, but various other unfavorable consequences can develop either before or concurrently with anemia. Mitochondrial function can be profoundly disturbed since iron is a cofactor for heme-containing enzymes and non-heme iron-containing enzymes in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Biosynthesis of heme and iron-sulfur clusters in the mitochondria is inhibited, disrupting synthesis of compounds such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes and nitric oxide synthase. The physiological consequences include fatigue, lethargy, and dyspnea; conversely, iron repletion in iron-deficient individuals has been shown to improve exercise capacity. The myocardium, with its high energy demands, is particularly at risk from the effects of iron deficiency. Randomized trials have found striking improvements in disease severity in anemic but also non-anemic chronic heart failure patients with iron deficiency after iron therapy. In vitro and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that iron is required by numerous enzymes involved in DNA replication and repair, and for normal cell cycle regulation. Iron is also critical for immune cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, and for specific cell-mediated effector pathways. Observational studies have shown that iron-deficient individuals have defective immune function, particularly T-cell immunity, but more evidence is required. Pre-clinical models have demonstrated abnormal myelogenesis, brain cell metabolism, neurotransmission, and hippocampal formation in iron-deficient neonates and young animals. In humans, iron deficiency anemia is associated with poorer cognitive and motor skills. However, the impact of iron deficiency without anemia is less clear.

CONCLUSION

The widespread cellular and physiological effects of iron deficiency highlight the need for early detection and treatment of iron deficiency, both to ameliorate these non-erythropoietic effects, and to avoid progression to iron deficiency anemia.

Iron Deficiency Anemia, Not Iron Deficiency, Is Associated with Reduced Attention in Healthy Young Women

Women of reproductive age are at increased risk for iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), with both implicated in decreased cognitive function (CF). Obesity may complicate this association via inflammatory-mediated ferritin elevation. This cross-sectional study examined the association between hematological iron status (iron replete (IR), ID or IDA) and CF in healthy, young (18-35 years) women of normal-weight (NW: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) or obese-weight (OB: BMI >30 kg/m²). Participants completed a validated, computer-based cognition assessment evaluating impulsivity, attention, information processing, memory and executive function; CF reported as z-scores (mean ± SD). Iron status and CF were compared between groups via ANOVA, with adjustment for potential confounders (BMI, physical activity, C-reactive protein) via ANCOVA. A total of 157 NW and 142 OB women (25.8 ± 5.1 years) participated. Prevalence of ID and IDA were 14% and 6% respectively, with no significant difference between NW and OB groups. Women with IDA scored significantly lower on attention (although within normal range; ±1 z-score), compared to ID (IDA: -0.75 ± 1.89; ID: 0.53 ± 1.37; p = 0.004) but not IR (0.03 ± 1.33, p = 0.21) groups; there were no significant differences between ID and IR groups (p = 0.34). Adjustment for confounders did not significantly alter these results. In conclusion, women with IDA showed significantly reduced attention compared to women with ID.

Nutrition (Micronutrients) in Child Growth and Development: A Systematic Review on Current Evidence, Recommendations and Opportunities for Further Research

OBJECTIVE

An important aspect of malnutrition is deficiency of different micronutrients during pregnancy or early childhood. We systematically reviewed the role of nutrition in child growth (weight or height gain) and development.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was done on PubMed/Cochrane Library browsing through 38,795 abstracts until December 31, 2016 to select systematic reviews/meta-analyses and individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of micronutrient supplementation.

RESULTS

Micronutrients studied included iron, iodine, folate, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and multiple micronutrients. We summarize evidence with details and results of RCTs, highlight strengths/weaknesses, and critically interpret findings. Effects of breastfeeding-promotion, food-supplementation (complementary and school feeding), conditional-cash-transfers, and integrated nutrition/psychosocial interventions are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Based on this evidence we make policy and programmatic recommendations for supplementation to mothers and children at high-risk of deficiency.

Effect of childhood nutrition counselling on intelligence in adolescence: a 15-year follow-up of a cluster-randomised trial

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the effects of an early childhood nutrition counselling intervention on intelligence (as measured by the intelligence quotient (IQ)) at age 15–16 years.

Design

A single-blind, cluster-randomised trial.

Setting

In 1998, in Southern Brazil, mothers of children aged 18 months or younger were enrolled in a nutrition counselling intervention (n 424). Counselling included encouragement and promotion of exclusive breast-feeding until 6 months of age and continued breast-feeding supplemented by protein-, lipid- and carbohydrate-rich foods after age 6 months up to age 2 years. The control group received routine feeding advice. In 2013, the fourth round of follow-up of these individuals, at the age of 15–16 years, was undertaken. IQ was assessed using the short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III). Mental disorders (evaluated using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA)) and self-reported school failure, smoking and alcohol use were also investigated. Adjusted analyses were conducted using a multilevel model in accordance with the sampling process.

Subjects

Adolescents, mean (sd) age of 15·4 (0·5) years (n 339).

Results

Mean (sd) total IQ score was lower in the intervention group than the control group (93·4 (11·4) and 95·8 (11·2), respectively) but the association did not persist after adjustment. The prevalence of any mental disorders was similar between intervention and control groups (23·1 and 23·5 %, respectively). There were no differences between groups regarding school failure, smoking and alcohol use.

Conclusions

Nutrition counselling intervention in early childhood had no effect on intelligence measured during adolescence.

Maternal micronutrient consumption periconceptionally and during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine overall micronutrient intake periconceptionally and throughout pregnancy in a population-based cohort of Australian women.

DESIGN

In a prospective cohort study, micronutrient dosages were extracted from self-reported maternal supplement use, recorded pre-conception, and for each trimester of pregnancy. A food frequency scale (DQESv2) captured usual maternal diet for gestational weeks 14-26. The influence of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with supplement use was examined using logistic regression, and changes in micronutrient intakes prior to and throughout pregnancy were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA analyses.

SETTING

Metropolitan hospital sites in Melbourne, Australia.

SUBJECTS

Women with a viable singleton pregnancy were recruited at less than 19 weeks' gestation (n 2146).

RESULTS

Compared with non-users, women using supplements during pregnancy were more likely to have planned their pregnancy, be >25 years old, primiparous, Caucasian, non-smokers, have a tertiary education and be consuming a folate-rich diet. Intakes of folate, Fe and Zn were significantly lower in the periconceptional period, compared with other periods (P<0·001). Intakes below Recommended Daily Intake levels were common both periconceptionally and throughout pregnancy, with 19-46 % of women not meeting the Recommended Daily Intake for folate, 68-82 % for Fe and 17-36 % for Zn. Conversely, 15-19 % of women consumed beyond the recommended Upper Limit for folate and 11-24 % for Fe.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the need for improved public health education on nutritional needs during pregnancy, especially among women with lower educational achievements and income.

Hemoglobin Status and Externalizing Behavioral Problems in Children

BACKGROUND

Still considered one of the most prevalent nutritional problems in the world, anemia has been shown in many studies to have deleterious effects on neurobehavioral development. While most research efforts have focused on investigating the effects of anemia on social and emotional development of infants by using a cross-sectional design, research is still needed to investigate whether early childhood anemia, beyond infantile years, is linked with behavioral problems.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed whether (1) hemoglobin (Hb) levels in early childhood are associated with externalizing behavior; and (2) this relationship is confounded by social adversity.

METHODS

Hemoglobin levels were taken from children (N = 98) of the China Jintan Cohort Study at age 4 years, and externalizing behaviors (attention and aggression) were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (ASEBA-CBCL) at age 6 years (mean age 5.77 ± 0.39 years old).

RESULTS

Compared with other children in the sample, children with relatively lower Hb levels at age 4 had more behavioral problems in both attention and aggression at age 6, independent of social adversity. For boys, this association was significant for attention problems, which did not interact with social adversity. For girls, the association was significant for aggression, which interacted with social adversity. While girls on average exhibited higher social adversity than boys, the main effect of Hb was only significant in girls with low social adversity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that there is an inverse association between hemoglobin levels and later behavioral problems. Findings of this study suggest that regular monitoring of children's hemoglobin levels and appropriate intervention may help with early identification of behavioral problems.

Early-life enteric infections: relation between chronic systemic inflammation and poor cognition in children

The intestinal microbiota undergoes active remodeling in the first 6 to 18 months of life, during which time the characteristics of the adult microbiota are developed. This process is strongly influenced by the early diet and enteric pathogens. Enteric infections and malnutrition early in life may favor microbiota dysbiosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, resulting in intestinal barrier dysfunction and translocation of intestinal bacterial products, ultimately leading to low-grade, chronic, subclinical systemic inflammation. The leaky gut-derived low-grade systemic inflammation may have profound consequences on the gut-liver-brain axis, compromising normal growth, metabolism, and cognitive development. This review examines recent data suggesting that early-life enteric infections that lead to intestinal barrier disruption may shift the intestinal microbiota toward chronic systemic inflammation and subsequent impaired cognitive development.

Dietary exposure to aflatoxin and micronutrient status among young children from Guinea

SCOPE

Aflatoxin exposure coincides with micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. Animal feeding studies have postulated that aflatoxin exposure may be exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies. Evidence available in human subjects is limited and inconsistent. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient status among young Guinean children.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 305 children (28.8 ± 8.4 months) were recruited at groundnut harvest (rainy season), of which 288 were followed up 6 months later postharvest (dry season). Blood samples were collected at each visit. Aflatoxin-albumin adduct levels were measured by ELISA. Vitamin A, vitamin E and β-carotene concentrations were measured using HPLC methods. Zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent in this population and were influenced by season, with levels increasing between harvest and postharvest. At harvest, children in the highest aflatoxin exposure group, compared to the lowest, were 1.98 (95%CI: 1.00, 3.92) and 3.56 (95%CI: 1.13, 11.15) times more likely to be zinc and vitamin A deficient.

CONCLUSION

Although children with high aflatoxin exposure levels were more likely to be zinc and vitamin A deficient, further research is necessary to determine a cause and effect relationship.

Association of physical activity and health status with intelligence quotient of high school students in Jeddah

[Purpose] The present study investigated the relationships of physical activity and healthiness with the intelligence quotients of high school students in Jeddah. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 135 male and female students were randomly drawn from public and private secondary schools in Jeddah. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to the students that included demographic, physical activity, and health status sections. Body mass index measurement and an intelligence quotient test were carried out for all students. In addition, samples of blood were collected to estimate hemoglobin and serum iron. [Results] The highest proportions of males and females (39.1% and 51% respectively) had an intelligence quotient score of more than 75%. Moreover, the findings revealed that about 35% of the students were categorized as overweight obesity, and there was aninverse correlation between body mass index and physical activity. Students who shared physical education classes and exercising at and outside school showed a positive correlation with high IQ scores. Regarding hemoglobin and iron levels, there were significant correlations between their levels in blood and IQ. [Conclusion] The intelligence quotient of adolescent students is positively associated with physical activity and health status.

Stunting, poor iron status and parasite infection are significant risk factors for lower cognitive performance in Cambodian school-aged children

BACKGROUND

Nutrition is one of many factors affecting the cognitive development of children. In Cambodia, 55% of children <5 y were anemic and 40% stunted in 2010. Currently, no data exists on the nutritional status of Cambodian school-aged children, or on how malnutrition potentially affects their cognitive development.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the anthropometric and micronutrient status (iron, vitamin A, zinc, iodine) of Cambodian schoolchildren and their associations with cognitive performance.

METHODS

School children aged 6-16 y (n = 2443) from 20 primary schools in Cambodia were recruited. Anthropometry, hemoglobin, serum ferritin, transferrin receptors, retinol-binding protein and zinc concentrations, inflammation status, urinary iodine concentration and parasite infection were measured. Socio-economic data were collected in a sub-group of children (n = 616). Cognitive performance was assessed using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and block design and picture completion, two standardized tests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III).

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia, iron, zinc, iodine and vitamin A deficiency were 15.7%; 51.2%, 92.8%, 17.3% and 0.7% respectively. The prevalence of stunting was 40.0%, including 10.9% of severe stunting. Stunted children scored significantly lower than non-stunted children on all tests. In RCPM test, boys with iron-deficiency anemia had lower scores than boys with normal iron status (-1.46, p<0.05). In picture completion test, children with normal iron status tended to score higher than iron-deficient children with anemia (-0.81; p = 0.067) or without anemia (-0.49; p = 0.064). Parasite infection was associated with an increase in risk of scoring below the median value in block design test (OR = 1.62; p<0.05), and with lower scores in other tests, for girls only (both p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Poor cognitive performance of Cambodian school-children was multifactorial and significantly associated with long-term (stunting) and current nutritional status indicators (iron status), as well as parasite infection. A life-cycle approach with programs to improve nutrition in early life and at school-age could contribute to optimal cognitive performance.

Oral zinc supplementation may improve cognitive function in schoolchildren

Zinc is an important micronutrient for humans, and zinc deficiency among schoolchildren is deleterious to growth and development, immune competence, and cognitive function. However, the effect of zinc supplementation on cognitive function remains poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation (5 mg Zn/day for 3 months) on the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ), and Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) using a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III). We studied 36 schoolchildren aged 6 to 9 years (7.8 ± 1.1) using a nonprobability sampling method. The baseline serum zinc concentrations increased significantly after zinc supplementation (p < 0.0001), with no difference between sexes. Tests were administered under basal conditions before and after zinc supplementation, and there was no difference in FSIQ according to gender or age. The results demonstrated that zinc improved the VIQ only in the Information Subtest (p = 0.009), although the supplementation effects were more significant in relation to the PIQ, as these scores improved for the Picture Completion, Picture Arrangement, Block Design, and Object Assembly Subtests (p = 0.0001, for all subtests). In conclusion, zinc supplementation improved specific cognitive abilities, thereby positively influencing the academic performance of schoolchildren, even those without marginal zinc deficiency.

Can we define an infant's need from the composition of human milk?

Human milk is recommended as the optimal nutrient source for infants and is associated with several short- and long-term benefits for child health. When accepting that human milk is the optimal nutrition for healthy term infants, it should be possible to calculate the nutritional needs of these infants from the intake of human milk. These data can then be used to design the optimal composition of infant formulas. In this review we show that the composition of human milk is rather variable and is dependent on factors such as beginning or end of feeding, duration of lactation, diet and body composition of the mother, maternal genes, and possibly infant factors such as sex. In particular, the composition of fatty acids in human milk is quite variable. It therefore seems questionable to estimate the nutritional needs of an infant exclusively from the intake of human milk. The optimal intake for infants must be based, at least in part, on other information-eg, balance or stable-isotope studies. The present recommendation that the composition of infant formulas should be based on the composition of human milk needs revision.

Nutrition and neurodevelopment in children: focus on NUTRIMENTHE project

There is growing evidence that early nutrition affects later cognitive performance. The idea that the diet of mothers, infants, and children could affect later mental performance has major implications for public health practice and policy development and for our understanding of human biology as well as for food product development, economic progress, and future wealth creation. To date, however, much of the evidence is from animal, retrospective studies and short-term nutritional intervention studies in humans. The positive effect of micronutrients on health, especially of pregnant women eating well to maximise their child's cognitive and behavioural outcomes, is commonly acknowledged. The current evidence of an association between gestational nutrition and brain development in healthy children is more credible for folate, n-3 fatty acids, and iron. Recent findings highlight the fact that single-nutrient supplementation is less adequate than supplementation with more complex formulae. However, the optimal content of micronutrient supplementation and whether there is a long-term impact on child's neurodevelopment needs to be investigated further. Moreover, it is also evident that future studies should take into account genetic heterogeneity when evaluating nutritional effects and also nutritional recommendations. The objective of the present review is to provide a background and update on the current knowledge linking nutrition to cognition and behaviour in children, and to show how the large collaborative European Project NUTRIMENTHE is working towards this aim.

Absorption Studies Show that Phytase from Aspergillus niger Significantly Increases Iron and Zinc Bioavailability from Phytate-Rich Foods

Background

Iron and zinc deficiency are major public health problems affecting many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia. Infants, young children, and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable due to their high requirements. Even though iron and zinc are present in significant amounts in the plant-based diets typically consumed in developing countries, their bioavailability is low due to high levels of absorption inhibitors such as phytate. Phytase has been used in animal nutrition for decades to improve the bioavailability of certain minerals in feed.

Objective

To show the effect of phytase in human nutrition based on evidence from human studies. Phytase can be used either during processing or as an active food ingredient degrading dietary phytate during stomach transit time.

Methods

Evidence from human studies testing the effect of phytase on iron and zinc bioavailability using stable isotopes was reviewed.

Results

Twelve studies tested the effect of phytase on iron and five tested its effect on zinc bioavailability. Most of these studies used a phytase derived from Aspergillus niger. They found a beneficial effect unless phytate concentrations were too low or levels of inhibitors or enhancers of iron absorption were too high. Twenty to 320 phytase units per 100 g of flour significantly improved iron absorption, even though higher levels might further increase iron bioavailability. For zinc, not enough information is available to determine optimal activities.

Conclusions

Phytase clearly has a beneficial effect on iron and zinc absorption from phytate-rich foods. It also has the potential to increase the absorption of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus in areas such as Southeast Asia where mineral deficiencies are widespread.

Iron status and dietary iron intake of vegetarian children from Poland

BACKGROUND/AIM

In Poland, vegetarian diets are becoming more and more popular. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of iron intake on iron status in vegetarian children.

METHODS

Dietary iron intake, iron food sources, blood count, serum iron, ferritin level and total iron-binding capacity were estimated in two groups of children, namely vegetarians (n = 22) and omnivores (n = 18) of both sexes, aged from 2 to 18 years. Seven-day food records were used to assess their diet.

RESULTS

Dietary iron intake in vegetarians and omnivores was low (up to 65.0 and 60.1% of the recommended dietary allowance). A significantly higher intake of vitamin C was observed in vegetarians compared with omnivores (p = 0.019). The main sources of iron in vegetarians were cereal products, followed by vegetables and mushroom products, then fruit. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) was higher in the vegetarian group (p = 0.023). The serum ferritin level and mean corpuscular volume in the vegetarians were also lower than in the omnivores (p = 0.01 and p = 0.014, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Children who follow a vegetarian diet may suffer from ID in spite of having a high vitamin C intake. This indicates the need to introduce dietary education and iron status monitoring.

Genetic variants influencing biomarkers of nutrition are not associated with cognitive capability in middle-aged and older adults

Several investigations have observed positive associations between good nutritional status, as indicated by micronutrients, and cognitive measures; however, these associations may not be causal. Genetic polymorphisms that affect nutritional biomarkers may be useful for providing evidence for associations between micronutrients and cognitive measures. As part of the Healthy Ageing across the Life Course (HALCyon) program, men and women aged between 44 and 90 y from 6 UK cohorts were genotyped for polymorphisms associated with circulating concentrations of iron [rs4820268 transmembrane protease, serine 6 (TMPRSS6) and rs1800562 hemochromatosis (HFE)], vitamin B-12 [(rs492602 fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2)], vitamin D ([rs2282679 group-specific component (GC)] and β-carotene ([rs6564851 beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase 1 (BCMO1)]. Meta-analysis was used to pool within-study effects of the associations between these polymorphisms and the following measures of cognitive capability: word recall, phonemic fluency, semantic fluency, and search speed. Among the several statistical tests conducted, we found little evidence for associations. We found the minor allele of rs1800562 was associated with poorer word recall scores [pooled β on Z-score for carriers vs. noncarriers: -0.05 (95% CI: -0.09, -0.004); P = 0.03, n = 14,105] and poorer word recall scores for the vitamin D-raising allele of rs2282679 [pooled β per T allele: -0.03 (95% CI: -0.05, -0.003); P = 0.03, n = 16,527]. However, there was no evidence for other associations. Our findings provide little evidence to support associations between these genotypes and cognitive capability in older adults. Further investigations are required to elucidate whether the previous positive associations from observational studies between circulating measures of these micronutrients and cognitive performance are due to confounding and reverse causality.

Effects of zinc and iron supplementation fail to improve motor and language milestone scores of infants and toddlers

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of zinc and iron-folic acid supplementation on motor and language milestones in Nepali children.

METHODS

Five hundred forty-four children 4 to 17 mo old residing in Ishwarpur, Nepal were randomized to receive placebo, iron-folic acid, zinc, or zinc plus iron-folic acid daily. Data were collected at baseline and at 3-mo intervals for 1 y. The main effects of zinc and iron folic-acid supplementation were estimated for motor and language milestones. Crude and adjusted mean cumulative changes in scores from visits 1 to 5 and adjusted rates of change were modeled.

RESULTS

Adjusted differences in motor milestone scores from visits 1 to 5 and rates of change were not significantly different for the zinc and non-zinc groups (adjusted β = -0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.4 to 0.01; adjusted β = -0.1, 95% CI -0.5 to 0.3, respectively). Motor milestones in children receiving and not receiving iron supplements were not significantly different (adjusted β = 0.1, 95% CI -0.7 to 0.8, from visits 1 to 5; adjusted β = 0.1, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.5, for rate of change). Children receiving zinc had a 0.8 lower mean crude change in language score from visits 1 to 5 compared with children not receiving zinc (95% CI -1.3 to -0.3), but the significance was lost after adjustment (adjusted β = -0.2, 95% CI -0.6 to 0.2, for visits 1 to 5; β = -0.1, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.2, for rate of change). No significant difference in motor or language milestone scores from iron supplementation was observed.

CONCLUSION

After 1 y, neither zinc nor iron-folic acid supplementation in Nepali children improved the attainment of motor or language milestones.