ADHD and Diet: The Latest Data

Does a relationship really exist?

A study released this week by the journal Pediatrics reviewed research data from 1976 to date. Be advised, the conclusions from this study were not obtained from actual research done by the researchers, but were obtained from their critical review of previous published data regarding diet and ADHD.

The study’s authors, J. Gordon Millichap, a neurologist, and Michelle M. Yee, a nurse-practitioner are ADHD specialists at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. They reviewed articles from scientific journals relating to the use of diet and dietary supplements in treating ADHD. Their findings really aren’t new, but rather recap data known. They found:

• Sugar and aspartame really don’t show any relationship to ADHD symptoms.
• Fish oil might help with the cognitive and behavioral impairments associated with the disorder, but more research is needed as the data are not conclusive.
• Zinc and other mineral supplements like iron have shown to be helpful but still need more research.
• Some small subgroups show sensitivity to food preservatives and eliminating them may be helpful.
• Children who have food allergies should have the allergens removed.

As I wrote in a blog a while ago, scientists have shown a distinct relationship between ADHD and children who ate a Western diet high in saturated fat, refined sugars and sodium. Additionally, this diet commonly lacks omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and folate. It is unknown what relationship this has to poor attention and academic performance, but they commonly occur together.

The only certainty associated with this research is that we are uncertain about the relationship between diet and ADHD. Researching a relationship is difficult because of a placebo effect associated with dietary change.

However, this doesn’t mean that dietary change, regulating sugar intake, limiting fat and sodium intake, and restricting preservatives should be immediately tossed aside. It means that each child or adult must be reviewed individually and find what works for them personally.

Dietary changes are not costly. Personal dietary research just takes time and consistency. In other words, if it works for you after personally researching and testing it, then it works — use it.

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