There are many studies showing a link between iron deficiency anemia and poor cognitive development, but as Patricia Stuart-Macadam has said, the anemia is a symptom, that is, another outcome of the same factors that cause the poorer cognitive development. Children who have iron-deficiency anemia usually have it because they are coping with many illnesses, infections, and intestinal parasites. They are usually malnourished as well. It is the combination of malnutrition and disease that results in anemia and in poorer cognitive ability. Curing the anemia through iron supplementation by itself usually makes them sicker, and doesn't improve cognitive performance. Curing the anemia through better overall nutrition and immunization programs and treatments for diseases and parasites leads to overall better health and better cognitive performance. CAUSES (as a group) EFFECTS (as a group) malnutrition poor physical growth diseases anemia infections poor cognitive performance parasites Kathy Dettwyler