Introduction

An infant's early years heavily impact their short-term and long-term health, growth, and

development. Child development refers to the cognitive, behavioral, physical, and learning

changes affecting children of all ages (1). One’s environmental, social and physical upbringings

play an essential role in the child’s current and future abilities. An adolescent's brain is

constantly developing as it responds to neural circuit changes in their genetics and surrounding

environment (2). Nutrition impacts a child's development and well-being and is prevalent not

only in starting good eating habits, but is also essential for motor development, learning abilities,

and physical growth. Poor eating habits and deficiencies started at a young age can impact

long-term physical factors such as height and weight, and mental factors including the ability to

focus, learn and remember (3). Ninety percent of one’s adult brain develops by age six, and thus

experiences, habits, and nutrient intakes are all vital in how children mature (4). In addition to

adolescence, child development risks can occur before birth. Pregnancy may also affect the

nutritional status of an adolescent and can impact their health and ability to physically and

mentally grow as they mature (5). Child development ranges from before birth until adulthood

and affects short and long-term physical and mental abilities. Thus, analyzing the causes and

effects of one's growth is essential to ensure a healthy life.

Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells (6). Blood

cells are responsible for providing oxygen to body tissues. Iron deficiency (ID) is a result of the

body not having enough iron, an important nutrient for red blood cells (6). This nutrient produces

hemoglobin in red blood cells which enables cells to carry oxygen. A major iron storage protein,

serum ferritin, is used to assess iron status in body tissues. Iron deficiency in infancy is

associated with poorer cognitive functioning, behavioral disturbances, emotional difficulties, and
lower motor scores (7). Infants, especially those who were low birth weight or born prematurely,

who don't get enough iron from breast milk or formula may be at risk of iron deficiency (8).

Children are especially in need of extra iron during growth spurts. In infants and children, severe

iron deficiency can lead to anemia as well as delayed growth and development. Additionally,

iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with increased susceptibility to infections (8).

Childhood development defines a child’s most formative years. Iron deficiency is the

most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and is especially common in children (10).

Research has shown that it impacts a child’s neurological and physical development, which

warrants a review on the significance of IDA and its effects on children. This paper aims to

identify the effects of IDA on childhood development to determine its importance on the growth

of one’s physical and cognitive function. With this significance, potential solutions will be

offered to reduce the prevalence of IDA in young children. This review provides evidence from

original research studies that examine how this deficiency could alter and impact one’s abilities

throughout their maturity since birth.

Methods

A variety of original research studies (double-blind, randomized, controlled, etc.)

involving pregnant mothers and children up to age 14 were researched. Excluded papers were

meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and articles before 2016. Meta-analyses and reviews were

used for background information only. Using the databases PubMed and Google Scholar, the

keywords “iron deficiency,” “anemia,” “childhood development,” and “nutritional child

development” were inputted to find original research studies. The search was conducted between

January 12 and January 26, 2022.