Investigating the link between iron deficiency and brain development in youth with anxiety and depression

Iron Deficiency and Brain Development in Youth with Internalizing Disorders - Administrative Supplement

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10912306

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10912306 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are unmedicated adolescents aged 10 to 17 who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.