Association Between Serum Iron Indices and Neurodevelopmental Delay (NDD) in Children

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability (ID) are commonly associated with nutritional deficiencies, including altered iron status. Iron plays a critical role in brain development, and disturbances in iron metabolism may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate differences in serum iron indices among children with different neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: This hospital-based observational study included 186 children aged 4–12 years diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, or ID. Neurodevelopmental diagnoses were established using standardised assessment tools. Serum iron, serum ferritin, and serum transferrin levels were measured using standard laboratory methods. Iron parameters were compared across the three diagnostic groups using appropriate statistical analyses, with a p-value