What question did this study set out to answer?

June 4, 2026Nutritional Neuroscience0 citations

Effects of multiple micronutrient supplementation on cognitive function in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

NANeda Asgari Avini HSHossein Shahinfar ZYZahra Yazdian

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the effects of multiple micronutrient supplementation on cognitive function in children under 18.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing MMN supplementation with placebo.
Included trials that assessed cognitive outcomes across nine domains in children and adolescents.
Used random-effects models for the meta-analysis and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane tool.
Slight improvements were observed in language and memory cognitive domains due to MMN supplementation.
Other cognitive domains showed no significant effects from MMN supplementation.
Effect sizes were small, indicating insufficient support for routine MMN intake for cognitive enhancement.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: An updated and comprehensive understanding of the impact of multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation on cognitive function in children remains elusive. This study aimed to assess the effects of MMN supplementation on cognitive function in children under 18. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and WOS through May 11, 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials in children and adolescents (≤18 years) comparing MMN supplementation (≥3 micronutrients) with placebo or control and assessing cognitive outcomes were included. Risk of bias was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane tool, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Cognitive outcomes were divided into nine domains, and a meta-analysis using random-effects models was conducted. RESULTS: = 0.067; GRADE: high). No significant effects were found in other cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the meta-analysis suggests that the use of MMN supplements in children may result in slight improvements in language and memory domains. However, given the small effect sizes and considerable heterogeneity, the data are insufficient to support the regular intake of MMN for cognitive improvement in children.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper