Iron deficiency during pregnancy affects brain development in the fetus

Gestational Iron Deficiency disrupts neural patterning in the embryo

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-10436873

This study is looking at how not getting enough iron during pregnancy might affect your baby's brain development, with the goal of finding ways to help improve brain health in children later on.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10436873 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how low iron levels during pregnancy can disrupt the development of the brain in the fetus. It focuses on understanding the specific molecular mechanisms that are affected by gestational iron deficiency (GID), particularly how it alters signaling pathways critical for brain cell development. By examining the impact of GID on lipid homeostasis and Shh signaling in the embryonic brain, the study aims to uncover the long-term consequences of iron deficiency on cognitive function in children. The findings could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for improving brain health in offspring.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are at risk of iron deficiency or have been diagnosed with low iron levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those with adequate iron levels are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive impairments in children born to mothers with iron deficiency during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a strong association between gestational iron deficiency and cognitive impairments, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.