Why is cognitive development so vital for your child?
Think of your child's cognitive abilities as the key ingredient in their brain – they help with storing memories, processing information, staying focused, and solving problems. It's like their special power! And guess what? These skills play a huge role in how well they do in school. When children have high cognitive abilities, they can encode key information quickly and accurately.1 Nurturing cognitive abilities also play a role in a child's overall growth.2
How does good nutrition support brain development?
Optimal nutrition is required to support normal brain development. It is important for laying the foundation for the development of your child’s cognitive, motor and socio-emotional behavior throughout childhood and adulthood.3 All nutrients are important for brain growth and function.4 However, nutrients affecting early brain development include macronutrients like protein, specific fats (LC-PUFAs), micronutrients like zinc, copper, iodine, iron and vitamins like B-vitamins, vitamin A, folate and choline.5 Deficiency of these essential nutrients during sensitive periods in early life can lead to long-term impairments.4
However, iron deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiency observed in children aged 6-59 months.6 It is one of the major reasons why children suffer from anemia.7
Did you know?
By the age of 2, the brain achieves 80–90% of its adult volume.8
Not having enough iron can impact your child’s cognitive development. Surprisingly, almost 50% of cases of anemia stem from iron deficiency.9 Studies have shown that the prevalence of anemia is highest among preschool children, and they are more vulnerable to the risk of anemia.10 During the 6–59-month age range, the body undergoes rapid growth and necessitates a diet rich in iron and nutrients, that may not be fulfilled by their normal diet.10
Having enough iron in the body can help prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.11 Once the child starts to eat foods, it is important to give foods with iron to meet nutritional needs.11
Why do children need iron?
1. For a normal brain development.12
2. Helps increase hemoglobin levels.13
3. Supports normal cognitive function.9
How much iron do children need?
Once a child starts eating solid foods, the amount of iron required by them changes depending on their age.14 In accordance with the guidelines from ICMR-NIN, the recommended nutritional needs for children are outlined as follows:15
| Age (years) | Amount of iron per day (mg)(Recommended dietary allowances) |
|---|---|
|
Age (years)
1 to 3 |
Amount of iron per day (mg)(Recommended dietary allowances)
8 |
|
Age (years)
4 to 6 |
Amount of iron per day (mg)(Recommended dietary allowances)
11 |
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First Published on Practo
References:
1. Shi Y, Qu S. The effect of cognitive ability on academic achievement: The mediating role of self-discipline and the moderating role of planning. Frontiers in psychology. 2022 Oct 6;13:1014655.
2. Gizzonio V, Bazzini MC, Marsella C, Papangelo P, Rizzolatti G, Fabbri‐Destro M. Supporting preschoolers’ cognitive development: Short‐and mid‐term effects of fluid reasoning, visuospatial, and motor training. Child Development. 2022 Jan;93(1):134-49.
3. Prado EL, Dewey KG. Nutrition and brain development in early life. Nutrition reviews. 2014 Apr 1;72(4):267-84.
4. Cusick SE, Georgieff MK. The role of nutrition in brain development: the golden opportunity of the “first 1000 days”. The Journal of pediatrics. 2016 Aug 1;175:16-21.
5. Georgieff MK, Brunette KE, Tran PV. Early life nutrition and neural plasticity. Development and psychopathology. 2015 May;27(2):411-23.
6. Kulkarni G, Dobe M, Ravi MD, Varma R, Dutt S, Dutta S, Sehgal S. Overcoming the Challenges of Complementary Feeding, and the Potential Role of Fortified Infant Cereals: A Position Paper from India and Nepal. Journal of Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health. 2023;7:142-58.
7. Al-Naseem A, Sallam A, Choudhury S, Thachil J. Iron deficiency without anaemia: a diagnosis that matters. Clinical Medicine. 2021 Mar;21(2):107.
8. Knickmeyer RC, Gouttard S, Kang C, Evans D, Wilber K, Smith JK, Hamer RM, Lin W, Gerig G, Gilmore JH. A structural MRI study of human brain development from birth to 2 years. Journal of neuroscience. 2008 Nov 19;28(47):12176-82.
9. Gutema BT, Sorrie MB, Megersa ND, Yesera GE, Yeshitila YG, Pauwels NS, De Henauw S, Abbeddou S. Effects of iron supplementation on cognitive development in school-age children: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2023 Jun 27;18(6):e0287703.
10. Singh RK, Patra S. Extent of anaemia among preschool children in EAG States, India: a challenge to policy makers. Anemia. 2014 Oct;2014.
11. Iron [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2024 [cited 2024 Apr 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/vitamins-minerals/iron.html
12. Lozoff B. Iron deficiency and child development. Food and nutrition bulletin. 2007 Dec;28(4_suppl4):S560-71.
13. Gera T, Sachdev HP, Nestel P, Sachdev SS. Effect of iron supplementation on haemoglobin response in children: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2007 Apr 1;44(4):468-86.
14. Iron needs of babies and children. Paediatr Child Health. 2007 Apr;12(4):333-6. doi: 10.1093/pch/12.4.333.
15. Revised Short Summary Report-2024, ICMR-NIN Expert Group on Nutrient Requirements for Indians, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and Estimated Average Requirements (EAR)-2020
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