Effects of iron deficiency anemia on brain development in late childhood
Official title: Neurocognitive Effects of Late-Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10881010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how iron deficiency anemia in girls aged 12 to 21 affects their brain development and thinking skills, and it will involve some tests and brain scans to see how their brains are working during this important time in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $710,899 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL169591-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young females aged 12 to 21 who are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 21 or those without iron deficiency anemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in late childhood affects brain development and cognitive function in young females. It focuses on understanding the short and long-term impacts of IDA, particularly how it causes cerebral metabolic stress that may lead to changes in cognitive abilities. Participants aged 12 to 21 with IDA will undergo cognitive evaluations and brain MRI scans to assess their brain's metabolism and connectivity. The study aims to provide insights into the neurocognitive consequences of IDA during a critical period of brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and treatment strategies for iron deficiency anemia, ultimately enhancing cognitive outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant neurocognitive impacts of early childhood iron deficiency anemia, suggesting that this investigation into late-childhood IDA is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fields, Melanie Erin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Fields, Melanie Erin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Iron‑deficiency anemia and its impact on brain function in late childhood
This study looks at how iron-deficiency anemia in late childhood and adolescence may affect thinking skills and brain development in young females.
-
Brain blood flow and oxygen use in adult iron deficiency anemia
This study looks at how moderate iron deficiency anemia in adults affects brain blood flow, oxygen use, and thinking abilities, and whether iron treatment can reverse any problems.
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Machine learning to predict iron deficiency risk in babies based on mom’s stress during pregnancy
A fast, data-driven approach uses a mother’s stress during pregnancy to help predict which babies might be at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
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Iron-deficiency anemia treatment plan for adults undergoing surgery
Aimed at adults having surgery, this project tests a practical plan to identify and treat iron deficiency anemia to improve recovery and reduce complications.
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How iron-deficiency anemia in later childhood affects the brain and thinking
This project looks at girls and young women aged 12–21 with iron-deficiency anemia to see how it changes brain metabolism, blood flow, and thinking using cognitive tests and MRI scans.
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Predicting pregnancy and newborn iron-deficiency risk linked to stress during pregnancy
This project uses computer models to predict which pregnant people and their newborns might develop iron-deficiency anemia after stress during pregnancy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.