Maternal anemia linked to smaller infant brain regions

A joint study by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Cape Town has found that infants born to mothers with anemia may have smaller brains, particularly in regions critical for movement, learning, and emotional regulation.

Following over 300 mothers and their infants in Cape Town, researchers conducted brain scans on infants between the ages of three months and two years. The study revealed that, on average, the brains of babies born to mothers with even mild anemia were 4% smaller than those born to mothers without the condition. These differences were specifically noted in the putamen, caudate nucleus, and corpus callosum.

Lead researcher Jessica Ringshaw noted that these specific brain regions are involved in key neuropsychological functions, including processing speed, executive function, and emotional regulation. The study suggests that these developmental differences could lead to cognitive challenges as children begin school, with the gap between the two groups widening during the first two years of life.