Iron deficiency in infancy is associated with long-term cognitive, motor, and social-emotional impairments. Studies show that infants with iron deficiency anemia or chronic iron deficiency have poorer developmental outcomes, including lower IQ scores, motor skills, and social-emotional functioning, even after treatment. Neurophysiological differences, such as altered auditory and visual processing, are also observed. Animal studies suggest mechanisms like impaired brain metabolism, myelination, and neurotransmitter function contribute to these effects. Iron deficiency during critical developmental periods affects brain regions involved in learning and memory, leading to lasting changes in behavior and development. Long-term follow-up studies in humans and rodents confirm that early iron deficiency has persistent effects, even when iron status is restored. These findings highlight the importance of preventing iron deficiency in infancy to avoid long-term developmental consequences.Iron deficiency in infancy is associated with long-term cognitive, motor, and social-emotional impairments. Studies show that infants with iron deficiency anemia or chronic iron deficiency have poorer developmental outcomes, including lower IQ scores, motor skills, and social-emotional functioning, even after treatment. Neurophysiological differences, such as altered auditory and visual processing, are also observed. Animal studies suggest mechanisms like impaired brain metabolism, myelination, and neurotransmitter function contribute to these effects. Iron deficiency during critical developmental periods affects brain regions involved in learning and memory, leading to lasting changes in behavior and development. Long-term follow-up studies in humans and rodents confirm that early iron deficiency has persistent effects, even when iron status is restored. These findings highlight the importance of preventing iron deficiency in infancy to avoid long-term developmental consequences.