Is your child having problems in math class? A study in the
June 2001 issue of Pediatrics indicates that diet may
be a factor.
The
scores of four standardized tests -- math, reading, verbal
ability and performance -- were evaluated for a sample of
5,398 children between 6 and 16 years old. Scores for the
tests were derived based on age groups and test scores were
compared to cases of iron deficiency.
Children identified with iron deficiencies scored much lower
in math than children with normal iron levels. Iron-deficient
children with anemia averaged 86.4 and iron-deficient children
without anemia averaged 87.4 on the math test, compared to
a 93.7 average for children with normal iron levels. Also,
a greater number of iron-deficient children (with and without
anemia) scored below average in math than children with regular
iron levels.
Iron deficiency was more prevalent in adolescent girls than
boys. The researchers believe that this may be due to a combination
of poor diet and menstrual blood loss. Be sure your child
is getting enough iron naturally in his or her diet; some
of the best sources of naturally occurring iron include red
meat, poultry, beans and whole grains. Coffee, tea and excessive
consumption of high-fiber foods decrease the body’s ability
to absorb iron.
Reference:
Halterman JS, Kaczorowski JM, Aligne CA, et al. Iron deficiency
and cognitive achievement among school-aged children and adolescents
in the United States. Pediatrics June 2001:107(6),
pp 1381-1386.
Talk to your doctor of chiropractic for more information
on the essentials of a proper diet for you and your children,
or visit https://www.chiroweb.com/tyh/nutrients.html.
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