Randomized Controlled Trial of Iron-Fortified versus Low-Iron Infant Formula: Developmental Outcomes at 16 Years.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether iron-fortified formula in infancy affects long-term cognitive outcomes in adolescence compared to low-iron formula.
Results Summary
Adolescents who received iron-fortified formula as infants had poorer cognitive outcomes, including lower scores in visual memory, arithmetic, and reading comprehension, compared to those who received low-iron formula. The effect varied by baseline hemoglobin levels, with iron-fortified formula benefiting those with low hemoglobin but underperforming in those with high hemoglobin.
Population
Term, singleton infants from low- to middle-income neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile, with birth weight ≥3.0 kg and no major health complications.
Effective Dosage
Iron-fortified formula (12 mg/L) vs. low-iron formula (2.3 mg/L) for 6 months.
Duration
6 months (from 6 to 12 months of age).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iron-fortified formula (12 mg/L) | decrease | visual memory | adolescents (previously infants from 6 to 12 months of age) | - | had lower scores than those randomized to low-iron formula | #1 |
iron-fortified formula (12 mg/L) | decrease | arithmetic achievement | adolescents (previously infants from 6 to 12 months of age) | - | had lower scores than those randomized to low-iron formula | #2 |
iron-fortified formula (12 mg/L) | decrease | reading comprehension achievement | adolescents (previously infants from 6 to 12 months of age) | - | had lower scores than those randomized to low-iron formula | #3 |
iron-fortified formula (12 mg/L) | increase | visual motor integration | infants with low 6-month hemoglobin | - | outperformed the low-iron group | #4 |
iron-fortified formula (12 mg/L) | decrease | visual motor integration | infants with high 6-month hemoglobin | - | underperformed when 6-month hemoglobin was high | #5 |
iron-fortified formula as infants from 6 to 12 months of age at levels recommended in the US | decrease | cognitive outcomes | adolescents | - | had poorer cognitive outcomes compared with those who received a low-iron formula | #6 |
OBJECTIVES: To test differences in cognitive outcomes among adolescents randomly assigned previously as infants to iron-fortified formula or low-iron formula as part of an iron deficiency anemia prevention trial. STUDY DESIGN: Infants were recruited from community clinics in low- to middle-income neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile. Entrance criteria included term, singleton infants; birth weight of ≥3.0 kg; and no major congenital anomalies, perinatal complications, phototherapy, hospitalization >5 days, chronic illness, or iron deficiency anemia at 6 months. Six-month-old infants were randomized to iron-fortified (12 mg/L) or low-iron (2.3 mg/L) formula for 6 months. At 16 years of age, cognitive ability, visual perceptual ability, visual memory, and achievement in math, vocabulary, and comprehension were assessed, using standardized measures. We compared differences in developmental test scores according to randomization group. RESULTS: At the follow-up assessment, the 405 participants averaged 16.2 years of age and 46% were male. Those randomized to iron-fortified formula had lower scores than those randomized to low-iron formula for visual memory, arithmetic achievement, and reading comprehension achievement. For visual motor integration, there was an interaction with baseline infancy hemoglobin, such that the iron-fortified group outperformed the low-iron group when 6-month hemoglobin was low and underperformed when 6-month hemoglobin was high. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents who received iron-fortified formula as infants from 6 to 12 months of age at levels recommended in the US had poorer cognitive outcomes compared with those who received a low-iron formula. The prevention of iron deficiency anemia in infancy is important for brain development. However, the optimal level of iron supplementation in infancy is unclear. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01166451.