The Impact of Iron and Vitamin D Deficiency on Cognitive Function and Concentration Among University Students

Abstract

Iron and vitamin D are vital nutrients necessary for a multitude of physiological processes throughout an individual's lifespan. Iron plays a crucial role in the typical development and operation of the nervous system, the regeneration of red blood cells, and the transport of oxygen. Deficiency in iron may arise from insufficient dietary consumption, periods of heightened growth, or increased blood loss and has been linked to alterations in brain development during infancy and childhood, as well as the onset of cognitive and behavioral impairments. Consistently, Vitamin D plays an essential role in various physiological processes throughout an individual's lifespan, and a deficiency in this vitamin has been linked to adverse consequences for mental health, cognitive function, and academic achievement in both children and adolescents. Academic performance is particularly critical for university students, as it influences their likelihood of graduating within the designated time frame or potentially withdrawing from their studies. Iron and vitamin D deficiency are prevalent in adolescents and young adults, and the number of individuals aged 20-24 enrolled in postsecondary education rose sharply in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Therefore, it is important to understand whether iron and vitamin D deficiency affect concentration and cognitive function among university students.