Abstract
In a follow-up to the 2016 paper “Preweaning iron deficiency increases non-contingent responding during cocaine self-administration in rats”, we briefly discuss relevant new data regarding iron deficiency published through August, 2021. The original work investigated if early iron deficiency would increase later vulnerability for substance use disorder. The results of that study suggest that iron deficiency caused deficits in learning and memory. Considerable research since that publication indicates that early-life iron deficiency (ID) indeed significantly impacts the nervous system in ways that can affect learning and memory. Recent studies indicate cognitive, behavioral, and developmental effects on the nervous systems which serve learning and memory processes. While no research has directly tested individual vulnerability to substance use disorder since our initial findings, substantial research has since been published which suggests iron deficiency leads to learning and memory difficulties that in turn could increase risk for substance use disorder later in life.
Keywords
Iron deficiency, Learning impairment, Addiction, Substance use disorder