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Numerous studies have demonstrated the deleterious effects of iron deficiency on cognitive function in infants and children, but data on the effects in adolescents and women of reproductive age are scarce. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, investigators at The Pennsylvania State University stratified 152 women (age range, 18–35; mean age, 21) according to iron status and randomly assigned them to receive a slow- release iron supplement or placebo for 16 weeks. Hematologic parameters included hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, serum ferritin, serum transferrin receptor, total iron, and total iron-binding capacity. Cognition and reaction time were assessed with eight performance tests. Cognitive testing and hematologic studies were condu…