Low iron and Vitamin B12 levels in younger boys could be linked to behavior problems, like anxiety, depression and aggression, during their middle schooling, revealed a new study.
The findings showed that iron deficiency, anemia and low plasma vitamin B12 levels in boys at around age 8 were associated with 10 per cent higher mean scores on externalization behaviors such as aggression and breaking of rules.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia is caused due to deficiency of iron, which makes you feel tired with shortness of breath. Know the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of anemia.
Advertisement
‘Low iron and low blood Vitamin B12 associated with problems, like anxiety, depression and aggression in young boy when they are in middle school.’
Tweet it Now
Iron deficiency was related to an adjusted 12 per cent higher mean on internalizing problem scores like anxiety and depression.
"Some parts of the brain develop throughout childhood," said Eduardo Villamor, Professor at the University of Michigan in the US.
He explained that "structural changes in the basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex of the brain may be involved in the development of behaviour problems as these brain regions respond to environmental conditions at different life stages".
![Iron & Folate Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy]( "Iron & Folate Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy")
About 95% of the anemia cases are due to iron deficiency.
For the study, appearing in the Journal of Nutrition, the team examined 3,200 children aged 5-12.
"Interventions to curb these deficiencies must be informed by knowledge of their causes in each specific setting," Villamor said.
Previous research on infants has shown a link between iron deficiency and lower positive affect, or a child's alertness, ability to self-sooth and self-regulation.
These problems may evolve through middle childhood and show up as behavioral concerns in adolescence and lower-self-rated mental health in adulthood.
The researchers found no associations among girls.
"We don't have a clear explanation of why there were sex differences, although we knew it was important to study boys and girls separately because they may differ in the timing of development," Villamor said.
"Studies in rats have found that some micronutrient deficiencies affect male and female brains differently but it is not clear exactly why this may also be the case in humans," he noted.
Source: IANS
He explained that "structural changes in the basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex of the brain may be involved in the development of behaviour problems as these brain regions respond to environmental conditions at different life stages".
Iron & Folate Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy
About 95% of the anemia cases are due to iron deficiency.
Advertisement
For the study, appearing in the Journal of Nutrition, the team examined 3,200 children aged 5-12.
"Interventions to curb these deficiencies must be informed by knowledge of their causes in each specific setting," Villamor said.
Previous research on infants has shown a link between iron deficiency and lower positive affect, or a child's alertness, ability to self-sooth and self-regulation.
These problems may evolve through middle childhood and show up as behavioral concerns in adolescence and lower-self-rated mental health in adulthood.
The researchers found no associations among girls.
"We don't have a clear explanation of why there were sex differences, although we knew it was important to study boys and girls separately because they may differ in the timing of development," Villamor said.
"Studies in rats have found that some micronutrient deficiencies affect male and female brains differently but it is not clear exactly why this may also be the case in humans," he noted.
Source: IANS
Fortified Bread May Help Tackle Zinc, Iron Deficiency
Bread prepared using wheat flour from crops that were enriched with iron and zinc had better nutrient availability.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Child Health News
In individuals with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplements raised their levels to the normal range. Despite this, they did not influence fracture risk.
Gaining deeper understanding of early perception is crucial for unraveling infant cognition and understanding how musical abilities impact early development.
Prenatal and postnatal B-12 vitamins increase the micro-nutrients in breast milk to support the development of the baby's brain.
The presence of Streptococcus in the placenta was associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the probability of neonatal unit admission.
Facing discrimination and acculturating during pregnancy could not only affect the mother but also potentially harm the baby's brain health.