Maternal anaemia linked to lower infant brain volume in imaging study

The short version

• Researchers from King's College London and the University of Cape Town tracked over 300 mothers and their infants in Cape Town.[The Guardian]
• Infants born to mothers with anaemia had lower average total brain volumes compared to those born to non-anaemic mothers.[The Guardian]
• Specific volume differences were detected in the putamen, caudate nucleus, and corpus callosum using portable and traditional MRI scanners.[The Guardian]
• Researchers attributed the differences to maternal anaemia, noting that participating mothers shared comparable income levels and food security.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Babies born to anaemic mothers had lower total brain volume on average than those born to non-anaemic mothers.[The Guardian]
• The study monitored more than 300 mothers and their babies in Cape Town through collaboration between King's College London and the University of Cape Town.[The Guardian]
• Regional volume differences were identified in the corpus callosum, caudate nucleus, and putamen.[The Guardian]
• The research compared infant scans using traditional high-field MRI scanners and portable low-field machines.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Babies born to anaemic mothers have smaller brains, study findsThe Guardian - World