In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered a significant link between maternal anaemia and reduced brain volume in infants. This condition, often caused by iron deficiency, affects more than a third of pregnant women worldwide, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.
The study, conducted by King’s College London and the University of Cape Town, followed over 300 mothers and their babies in Cape Town, using advanced MRI technology to scan infant brains at various stages of development.
Key brain regions affected by maternal anaemia
The research identified notable differences in three critical brain regions: the putamencaudate nucleus and corpus callosum. These areas are crucial for neuropsychological functions such as processing speed, emotion regulation, and executive function.
On average, the total brain volume of babies born to anaemic mothers was 4% lower than that of babies born to non-anaemic mothers. The gap widened over the first two years of life, with the corpus callosum being 6% smaller by 24 months.
Long-term cognitive implications
Jessica Ringshaw, the first author of the study, emphasized that these differences persist as children grow older. ‘These aren’t children who are catching up,’ she noted. ‘The brain differences are still there when the children are six years old and going to school, which may lead to noticeable cognitive difficulties.’
Previous research has shown that children born to anaemic mothers tend to score lower on developmental tests. This study provides a potential explanation for those findings, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
Addressing anaemia in pregnant women
The findings underscore the need for comprehensive screening and treatment of anaemia in women of reproductive age. Ringshaw recommended the use of oral or intravenous iron supplementation where appropriate, along with infection management for conditions like HIV, which can exacerbate anaemia.
The World Health Organization has listed reducing anaemia rates as a priority, but progress has stalled over the past two decades. Ringshaw stressed the urgency of placing anaemia at the forefront of public health efforts to ensure that children not only survive but thrive.
The study also demonstrated the effectiveness of portable MRI scanners in detecting brain differences in challenging environments. Steve Williams, professor of neuroimaging at King’s, highlighted the potential of this technology for measuring the impact of malnutrition on the developing brain.
