Babies born to mothers with anaemia may have smaller brains, particularly in areas important for movement, learning, and emotional regulation, according to a recent study. Researchers observed these differences in infants as young as one year old, suggesting that such brain changes might lead to cognitive challenges when children start school. Anaemia is a common condition during pregnancy, often caused by a lack of iron, which reduces the number of red blood cells in the body. It affects more than a third of pregnant women globally, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The study, conducted by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Cape Town, followed over 300 mothers and their babies in South Africa. Using brain scans of infants between three months and two years old, the team found that babies born to anaemic mothers had brains that were, on average, 4% smaller in total volume compared to those born to non-anaemic mothers. The differences were most noticeable in three key brain regions: the putamen, caudate nucleus, and corpus callosum. These areas are involved in important functions such as processing speed, emotional regulation, and decision-making. The brain differences became more pronounced as the children grew older, with the corpus callosum being about 6% smaller by the age of two in babies born to anaemic mothers. The researchers emphasized that these brain differences do not seem to disappear over time. Earlier studies in South Africa found similar brain volume differences in children up to six years old, suggesting that these changes could impact cognitive development as children begin school. Jessica Ringshaw, lead author of the study, noted that the mothers with and without anaemia were otherwise similar in factors like income and access to food, reinforcing the idea that the condition itself, rather than other variables, was responsible for the brain differences. The findings highlight the importance of addressing anaemia in women of reproductive age, including through screening and iron supplementation when needed. The study also showcased new, more affordable, and portable MRI technology that can detect these brain differences effectively, even in challenging environments. This advancement could help assess the impact of nutritional interventions on brain development in children. Researchers hope that by focusing more attention on reducing anaemia, public health efforts can help ensure that children not only survive but also thrive developmentally.