New research from the University of Oklahoma sheds light on an underexplored scientific area: the relationship between iron levels in the blood and cognitive performance in women undergoing menopause.
اضافة اعلان
Cognitive Function Improves with Sufficient Iron Levels During Menopause
The findings offer encouraging news for women experiencing brain fog and other symptoms. The study revealed that women with sufficient iron levels in their blood during menopause demonstrated better cognitive performance.
Importantly, having adequate iron levels in the blood does not mean dangerously high iron levels in the brain—a key distinction, as excess brain iron has been linked to a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
“When a woman reaches menopause, she stops losing blood monthly, which means she’s no longer losing iron,”
said lead researcher Michael Wenger.
According to Medical Xpress, the research team measured blood iron levels, conducted MRI scans to assess brain iron, and evaluated cognitive performance using behavioral tests.
While none of the women in the study were clinically iron deficient, many had iron levels lower than the expected range for their age. These women performed worse on measures of memory, attention, and cognition.
This finding was both surprising and positive: having iron levels that meet or slightly exceed age-based expectations does not seem to increase brain iron accumulation.
What Does Iron Deficiency Mean?
Iron deficiency is not the same as anemia.
Wenger clarified that while low iron can be a risk factor for anemia, anemia itself can result from various causes.
“Our previous research has shown that iron deficiency can have significant cognitive costs,”
Wenger said. “Low iron may be one reason women experience mental fog during menopause.”
Changes in Vision
The study also points to a possible reason some women report changes in vision during menopause.
Iron plays a crucial role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is essential for transmitting light signals in the eye.
Iron Supplements
Although iron supplements are generally not the first-line solution due to their potential gastrointestinal side effects, Wenger notes that low-dose supplements or dietary changes to increase iron intake may be beneficial.
