Link Between Diet and ADHD

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Link Between Diet and ADHD

Mon, 09/13/2010

Children seem to have boundless energy. Most get distracted, act impulsively,

and struggle to concentrate at one time or another. Sometimes, these are normal

behaviors. Sometimes they're not.

Now through the 18th is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Week.

While there is no cure for ADHD a study may have found a link between the

disorder and diet.

The study examined the dietary patterns of 1800 adolescents from birth up to 20

years. The participants were classified by " Healthy " or " Western " diet. The

" Healthy " diet was high in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and fish.

The " Western " diet was associated with processed, fried and sugary foods. The

study concluded that those eating a " Western " diet had more than double the risk

of having an ADHD diagnosis.

When researchers looked at specific foods they found that a diagnosis was linked

to red meats, processed meats, fast foods, high–fat dairy products and sugary

foods.

While it's not certain what the relationship is...it may be that the " Healthy "

diet is higher in Omega–3 fatty acids which hold benefits for mental health and

optimal brain function. Another reason could be that the " Western " diet may

contain more colors, flavors and additives that have been linked to an increase

in ADHD symptoms.

This was a cross–sectional study so researchers can't be sure whether a poor

diet leads to ADHD or whether ADHD leads to poor dietary choices and cravings.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental health disorder. It's more

common in boys. And symptoms usually appear between the ages of 3 and 6. Which

is why teachers are usually the first to recognize the symptoms.