A research team at the University of Minnesota Medical School has discovered that providing iron supplements to children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa could be a crucial step in enhancing brain development. Despite concerns about potential infection risks, the study published in Lancet HIV indicates that iron is actually beneficial for children with HIV. This groundbreaking finding opens the door for further research on iron’s impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population.
With the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), children with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are living longer, making the optimization of their brain development a new public health priority. Sarah Cusick, PhD, an associate professor at the U of M Medical School and member of the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue. The study, conducted between May 2018 and November 2019, involved 200 children with HIV and anemia who had been on ART for at least six months. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either iron supplements or a placebo for three months. Those who received iron demonstrated higher hemoglobin concentrations and better iron nutrition markers compared to those who received the placebo, with no evidence of increased infection risk.
Despite the promising results, Dr. Cusick emphasizes the need for further research to evaluate brain development and infection risk over a longer period of time. This study sets the stage for future investigations into the role of iron in improving neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with HIV. The study was supported by Minnesota Masonic Charities, the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School, the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) [K08AI141761].
Overall, the findings from this research highlight the potential benefits of iron supplementation for children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing concerns around infection risk and focusing on optimizing brain development, this study sheds light on a new approach to improving the health outcomes of children with HIV. The study’s success in demonstrating the positive effects of iron supplementation on hemoglobin levels and nutritional markers underscores the importance of further exploration in this area.
The research team’s work has significant implications for public health initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa, where children with HIV are living longer due to the availability of ART. Prioritizing brain development and exploring strategies to support children’s cognitive well-being is essential in addressing the unique needs of this population. By highlighting the potential benefits of iron supplements, this study offers a promising avenue for future research and intervention efforts aimed at improving the lives of children with HIV in the region.
With funding from various organizations, including Minnesota Masonic Charities and the NIH, the research team was able to conduct a rigorous investigation into the effects of iron supplementation on children with HIV. The support from these institutions underscores the importance of further research in this area and the potential impact of addressing nutritional needs in children with HIV. By continuing to explore the role of iron in brain development and infection risk, researchers can work towards improving outcomes and quality of life for children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
