Anemia Ferropriva E Seu Impacto No Desenvolvimento Infantil: Uma Revisão De Literatura

Abstract

This study analyzes the impacts of iron deficiency anemia on child development. It is an integrative literature review that aims to discuss the relationship between iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and developmental disorders in children, as well as to highlight the need for iron in the developmental process during childhood and to illustrate the consequences of iron deficiency anemia on child development. The research was conducted in the databases of the Virtual Health Library, MEDLINE, LILACS, and CAPES Journals, resulting in the selection of 33 relevant articles. The analyzed studies indicate that iron plays essential roles in proper development from intrauterine life to the first years of life. The deficiency of this micronutrient during pregnancy compromises the organogenesis of the lungs and heart. It is also associated with impairments in neurodevelopment, as it is part of the formation of the neuronal myelin sheath and is involved in neurotransmitter function. It is equally important in the child’s immune response, with deficiency potentially being associated with a higher prevalence of allergies. Given its relevance, the body has developed complex mechanisms for regulating iron homeostasis, reinforcing its physiological importance. It is concluded that iron deficiency anemia, especially when present during pregnancy, is associated with congenital malformations and, in childhood, with an increased risk of neuropsychomotor developmental delays, language and response impairments, as well as cognitive and immunological alterations.