Can gum chewing actually improve math test scores? Wrigley scientists say…sort of

“Now you can prove ANYTHING apparently!”

That was the note HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., included when he sent me some info about a new study that examined a unique study aid: gum chewing.

No kidding. And apparently SOMEone is taking the study seriously, because the results were presented last month at the American Society of Nutrition’s Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting.

More than 100 math students were divided into two groups. Half were asked to chew sugar-free gum during class, while taking tests, and while doing homework. The other students were asked to refrain from gum chewing.

After 14 weeks, researchers found a “small but statistically significant” improvement in test scores in the gum-chewing group compared to the non-chewing group.

That’s not what you would call a world-beating result. Especially when you figure in this little detail: Apparently math grades in both groups declined over the study period. But the good news: They declined less in the gum-chewing group.

So when educators require a last-ditch attempt to hang on to some shred of academic adequacy, they might consider handing out gum in classrooms.

And here’s the best part: This study was funded by the Wrigley Science Institute.

Again: No kidding.

According to the WSI website, a “global advisory panel” is “helping guide the pursuit of fundamental science behind the benefits of chewing.”

So far, so good!

Source:
“Teenage Brain Power Boosted by Chewing Gum: Wrigley Study” Sarah Hills, NutraIngredients-USA, 4/24/09, nutraingredients-usa.com