Iron is present in every cell of the body, including the brain, so it is necessary for many functions related to cognitive health. A study found that having sufficient levels of iron in the blood during perimenopause—the transition from having a monthly menstrual cycle to having no cycle—was associated with better cognitive performance. While the women in the study didn’t have iron deficiency, quite a few had suboptimal levels for their age, which impaired memory and attention.
Animal foods are rich in iron, but some plant foods are also good sources.
Low Iron and Mental Fog
The study, conducted at the University of Oklahoma and published in Nutrients, involved perimenopausal women who were not anemic and had either low or normal iron levels. Participants provided blood samples to measure iron and performed cognitive tests while undergoing an electroencephalogram (EEG) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to estimate iron levels in the brain. Results showed that higher blood iron levels were associated with better cognition and stronger EEG signals.
Mary West
Author
Mary West is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Medical News Today, Small Business Today Magazine, and other publications. She holds two bachelor of science degrees from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
