As you build a healthy diet for your kids with nutrient-rich foods such as yogurt, be sure to add other iron-rich foods. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, iron is the nutrient of which most American diets are deficient.

Low Iron Equals Low Test Scores

Recent studies link iron and zinc deficiencies to impairments in physical growth and learning abilities in children. One study of 5,400 school-aged children, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed that iron deficiency may adversely affect some brain functions, and was specifically shown to affect children’s performance on math exams.

Girls are Particularly at Risk

The study showed that girls are particularly vulnerable to the effects of iron deficiency on learning.

In addition, the study revealed that children with even slightly low iron intake often score lower on standardized tests; they also demonstrate decreased attention to relevant information needed for problem solving.

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