Black Maureen M
Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11 Suppl 2):3927S-3931S. doi: 10.1093/jn/133.11.3927S.
The relationship between four micronutrient deficiencies (iodine, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12) and children's cognitive functioning is reviewed. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has negative and irreversible effects on the developing fetus. Although there is some evidence that postnatal iodine deficiency is associated with cognitive deficits, the findings are controversial. Iron deficiency is widespread and has been associated to cognitive deficits, but the results of prevention trials are inconsistent. Zinc deficiency has been linked with low activity and depressed motor development among the most vulnerable children. Associations with cognitive development are less clear and may be limited to specific neuropsychological processes. Vitamin B-12 deficiency has been associated with cognitive problems among the elderly, but little is known about its effect on children's cognitive functioning. Rates of vitamin B-12 deficiency are likely to be high because animal products are the only source of vitamin B-12. Although micronutrient deficiencies often co-occur in the context of poverty, little is known about the impact of multiple micronutrient deficiencies on cognitive development.
本文综述了四种微量营养素缺乏（碘、铁、锌和维生素B-12）与儿童认知功能之间的关系。孕期缺碘会对发育中的胎儿产生负面且不可逆转的影响。虽然有一些证据表明产后缺碘与认知缺陷有关，但研究结果存在争议。缺铁现象普遍，且与认知缺陷有关，但预防试验的结果并不一致。锌缺乏与最易受影响儿童的活动水平低和运动发育迟缓有关。与认知发展的关联尚不清楚，可能仅限于特定的神经心理过程。维生素B-12缺乏与老年人的认知问题有关，但对其对儿童认知功能的影响知之甚少。由于动物产品是维生素B-12的唯一来源，维生素B-12缺乏率可能很高。虽然微量营养素缺乏在贫困背景下经常同时出现，但对多种微量营养素缺乏对认知发展的影响知之甚少。
