BEHAVIOR OF INFANTS WITH IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

This study tested the hypothesis that infants with iron-deficiency ane mia show behaviors, such as increased proximity to caregivers, increas ed wariness or hesitance, and decreased activity, that could contribut e to ''functional isolation.'' The behavior of 52 Costa Rican 12- to 2 3-month-old infants with iron-deficiency anemia was contrasted with th at of 139 comparison group infants with better iron status during free play and mental and motor testing and in the home. Infants with iron- deficiency anemia maintained closer contact with caregivers; showed le ss pleasure and delight; were more wary, hesitant, and easily tired; m ade fewer attempts at test items; were less attentive to instructions and demonstrations; and were less playful. Adult behavior also differe d. The results indicate that iron-deficiency anemia in infancy is asso ciated with alterations in affect and activity, suggesting that functi onal isolation is a useful framework for understanding poorer developm ental outcome in iron-deficiency anemia, the world's most common singl e nutrient deficiency.