The effects of supplemental iron on educational achievements of students with "Iron deficiency without Anemia": A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency without anemia is highly prevalent among female university students. Objective: Considering the intense competition for future educational opportunities and the possible impacts of iron deficiency on brain activities, we tried to investigate the effects of supplemental iron on educational achievements of students with iron deficiency without anemia entering universities. Methods: The iron status was evaluated in 209 female students at Faculty of Science, University of Isfahan. Iron deficiency without anemia was detected in 40.46% of the cases of which 72 individuals entered the clinical trial. The subjects were divided into two groups of 36 and treated with iron supplements or placebo. Afterwards, their educational progress was assessed. Results: Students who received supplemental iron showed more improved educational rankings (p = 0.05) and average scores (p = 0.009) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated the positive effects of iron supplementation on the educational achievements of female students suffering iron deficiency without anemia.