British study has found that one in four schoolgirls studied are damaging their IQs by dieting and depriving themselves of iron.

"We were surprised that a very small drop in iron levels caused a fall in IQ," explained Dr. Michael Nelson, study author and senior lecturer in nutrition at King's College, London, UK.

The researchers concluded that poor iron status is common among British adolescent girls and diet and iron status play an important role in determining IQ, independent of factors such as menstrual status or social class.

The study surveyed 595 girls, aged 11 to 18, attending three comprehensive schools in North London, making up a cross-section of racial groups. The girls provided blood samples that were assessed for hemoglobin and packed cell volume.

It was found that there was a highly significant difference in IQ between iron-deficient anemic girls, with the lowest levels of iron in their blood, iron-deficient and iron-replete girls.

Dr. Nelson said that although the study solely examined adolescent girls, there is also some evidence that people over 65 suffer from lack of iron and cognitive function but this is also linked to deficiencies of folic acid, zinc and vitamin B12.

Dieting coupled with exercise is one of the most effective methods of weight reduction. It is true that being overweight predisposes a person to a myriad of possible medical problems. But irresponsible dieting can also bring about some health problems. This recent study even connected dieting to intellectual deterioration. One must always keep in mind that being on a diet does not mean depriving the body of essential elements like iron. One can still obtain all the necessary dietary requirements while decreasing the total caloric intake. If you think you really need to put yourself on a diet, do it under a physician’s supervision.