Babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brains, study finds

A recent study has discovered that babies born to mothers with anaemia have smaller brains, particularly in regions related to movement, learning, and emotional regulation. This could potentially lead to cognitive problems when the children begin school. Over a third of pregnant women globally suffer from anaemia, a condition often caused by iron deficiency and characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells in the body.

Symptoms of the condition include fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The research, conducted by King’s College London and the University of Cape Town, examined the brains of over 300 infants in Cape Town, scanning them several times between the ages of three months and two years. On average, the total brain volume of infants born to anaemic mothers was 4% lower than those born to non-anaemic mothers, despite the anaemic mothers being diagnosed with only a mild form of the condition.

The difference in brain size was detected in three specific regions: the putamen, caudate nucleus, and corpus callosum. These areas are involved in crucial neuropsychological functions such as processing speed, emotion regulation, and executive function. The gap between the two groups widened over the first two years of life, with the corpus callosum being about 4% smaller at 12 months and 6% smaller at 24 months in the group whose mothers were anaemic.

The findings suggest that the brain differences remain even when the children reach six years old and enter school, potentially leading to noticeable cognitive difficulties. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing anaemia in women of reproductive age, recommending regular screening and iron supplementation during pregnancy.

The study used advanced MRI scanners that are more portable and cost-effective than traditional hospital machines, enabling them to detect the same brain differences in babies born to anaemic mothers. The results highlight the need for public health efforts to combat anaemia and ensure children not only survive but thrive.