Table 3 Meta-analysis, subgrouping by age group. SMD analysis of the effect of iron supplementation on cognitive domains
Cognitive domain | Age group | Standardised mean difference (95% CI) | Number of participants/studies | Heterogeneity - I2 test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Attention & concentration | Children aged 6-18 | 0.62 (0.26 to 0.98)* | 132/2 (4 arms)** | 0% |
| Â | Pre-menopausal women | 0.53 (-0.06 to 1.12) | 47/1 | Not relevant |
Intelligence | Children aged 6-18 | 0.02 (-0.22 to 0.27) | 2289/4 (9 arms)** | 82% |
| Â | Pre-menopausal women | 0.62 (0.15 to 1.10)* | 76/2 | 0% |
Memory | Children aged 6-18 | 0.33 (-0.19 to 0.85) | 132/2 (4 arms)** | 35% |
| Â | Pre-menopausal women | 0.09 (-0.31 to 0.50) | 123/3 | 18% |
Psychomotor | Children aged 6-18 | 0.19 (-0.17 to 0.54) | 132/2 (4 arms)** | 0% |
| Â | Pre-menopausal women | 0.09 (-0.32 to 0.50) | 123/3 | 21% |
Scholastic aptitude | Children aged 6-18 | 0.03 (-0.63 to 0.69) | 1799/3 (6 arms)** | 96% |
| Â | Pre-menopausal women | 0.77 (-0.08 to 1.62) | 25/1 | Not relevant |