Micronutrient status and neurodevelopment in internationally adopted children

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2016

Abstract

Aim To assess the status of nutrients relevant for brain development in internationally adoptees from disparate global regions and determine whether identified deficiencies are associated with neurodevelopment. Methods Participants included children adopted from Post-Soviet States (n = 15), Ethiopia (n = 26) or China (n = 17), ages 8-18 months. A comprehensive nutritional battery and a neurodevelopmental assessment were completed at baseline (within one month of arrival) and follow-up (six months later). Results At baseline, 35% were stunted, and 68% had at least one abnormal nutritional biochemical marker. The most common were low retinol-binding protein (33%), zinc deficiency (29%), vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (21%), and iron deficiency (15%). There was significant catch-up growth in height and weight at follow-up, but little improvement in micronutrient deficiencies. Iron deficiency was associated with lower cognitive scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III, p = 0.027, and slower speed of processing, p = 0.012. Zinc deficiency was associated with compromised memory functioning, p = 0.001. Conclusion Nutrient deficiencies were common during the early adoption period in internationally adoptees from three global regions, and iron and zinc deficiencies were associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes. Results emphasise the importance of monitoring micronutrient status at arrival and during the early adoption period, irrespective of country of origin.

Publication Title

Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics

Volume

105

Issue

2

First Page

e67

Last Page

e76

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/apa.13234

PubMed ID

26439893

ISSN

08035253

E-ISSN

16512227

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS