FeFAThe Effects of Iron and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, Alone and in Combination, on Cognition, Immune System and Gut Microbiota: a Randomized, Double-blind, 2x2 Intervention Trial in Iron Deficient South African Children

In populations of low socio economic status, such as found in South Africa, iron deficiency coexisting with a low intake of n-3 fatty acids could synergistically compromise both the intellectual performance and immune system of children. Therefore, specific cognitive processes (domains) and specific immunization status markers and immune function modulators, that have been found to be affected by iron and n-3 fatty acid deficiency in children in previous studies will be assessed. This will be the first human study that assesses the interactions of iron and n-3 fatty acid supplementation to iron deficient children in a two-by-two factorial, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.