Iron & Anaemia

An estimated 53% of school-age children suffer from iron deficiency anaemia globally. It is the most common micronutrient deficiency and can be caused by insufficient dietary intake of iron, parasitic diseases, in particular worm infections and malaria, and deficiencies in other micronutrients, for instance, Vitamin B12 and folate.

Evidence suggests that iron deficiency anaemia affects children’s cognitive abilities with studies indicating school performance suffers as a result of this deficiency, such as in tests of language ability. This hypothesis is strengthened by research which links iron supplementation to improved concentration, school performance and educational achievement.  Iron supplementation is an important component of school-based health and nutrition programmes and is particularly recommended where worm infections are prevalent and malaria is endemic.

For more information on iron and anaemia, search for articles in the Iron & Anaemia Bibliography and Country Programmes on micronutrient supplementation, or contact the website team on pcd@imperial.ac.uk