Investigating the link between iron deficiency and brain development in youth with anxiety and depression
Official title: Iron Deficiency and Brain Development in Youth with Internalizing Disorders - Administrative Supplement
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10912306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low iron levels might impact the brain development of teenagers aged 10 to 17 who are dealing with anxiety and depression, and it hopes to find out if there's a link between iron in the body and how serious their symptoms are.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $558,613 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH124848-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are unmedicated adolescents aged 10 to 17 who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already on medication for their mental health conditions or those outside the age range of 10 to 17 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how iron deficiency may affect brain development in adolescents experiencing internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression. By enrolling unmedicated participants aged 10 to 17, the study aims to measure iron levels in the body and brain using advanced MRI techniques. The goal is to understand the relationship between iron stores and the severity of mental health symptoms, potentially uncovering new insights into the causes of these disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for adolescents suffering from anxiety and depression related to iron deficiency.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a potential link between iron deficiency and neuropsychiatric symptoms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calarge, Chadi a. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Calarge, Chadi a.
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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.