ASSESSMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND ITS IMPACT ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN TODDLERS AGED 1-3 YEARS

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) represents the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly affecting toddlers during critical brain development periods. This study assessed the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and its impact on cognitive development in toddlers aged 1-3 years. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Saraswati Institute of Medical Science, Hapur, from January-December 2016. Four hundred toddlers were systematically recruited and categorized into three groups based on iron status: iron deficiency anemia (IDA), non-anemic iron deficiency (NAID), and iron sufficient (IS). Iron status was assessed through hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation measurements. Cognitive development was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, administered by certified psychologists blinded to participants' iron status. Results: The prevalence of IDA was 36.5% and NAID was 27.0%. Children with IDA scored significantly lower on cognitive composite scores compared to iron sufficient peers (89.4±12.8 vs 102.8±13.2, p<0.001), representing a clinically meaningful 13.4-point difference. Strong correlations existed between iron status indicators and developmental outcomes, with duration of iron deficiency showing the strongest negative correlation with cognitive scores (r=-0.52). Multivariate analysis confirmed IDA as an independent risk factor for impaired cognitive development (adjusted OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.98-5.91). Conclusion: A clear dose-response relationship exists between iron deficiency severity and cognitive impairment, with significant developmental delays evident even in non-anemic iron deficiency, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and intervention.