Iron Deficiency Could Explain Math Woes

Cass Sunstein's March 1 op-ed lists several possible reasons for girls underperforming in math relative to boys, and highlights a new Israeli study showing that biased teachers can inhibit girls' math performance ["Teachers Play Factor In Girls Dropping Math"].

Missing from that list is a biological explanation: Published academic studies have found iron deficiency strongly correlated with poor math performance. The onset of menses leading to iron deficiency and then girls' worsening math performance is at least as plausible as any social explanation. As a society, however, we have failed to act on this easily identified and easily addressed problem.

Yes, we need to hold people accountable for underestimating women's mathematical capability, both in school and in the workplace, but we also need to invest in demonstration projects making use of the evidence. Pick a school where girls are underperforming, check iron levels for boys as well as girls since the problem is not limited to girls, help address deficiencies through better nutrition and medication as needed, and step back to see if math performance improves.

If it does -- and the science strongly suggests that it will -- let's monitor and address iron levels for every middle school and high school student.

The results will be worth every penny invested.

Phyllis Emigh, Pomfret

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