More and more research indicates that diet, and conditions such as ADHD, are linked. Food additives, dyes, and gluten are just a few of the substances that have been connected to hyperactivity, difficulty in focusing, and seemingly out of control behavior. There are several nutrition plans to choose from when working with ADHD, including the Feingold Diet, the gluten-free diet, and a more generalized diet focusing on increasing omega-3 fatty-acid intake and supplementation with vitamins.
Significance
Although there is yet to be definitive proof that diet can help with ADHD, Jane Collingwood at PsychCentral notes that research has shown those with ADHD may be deficient in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. (see References 1) Food additives, refined sugars, and food allergies also appear to negatively effect behavior. The most conclusive connection between food and ADHD is with the use of omega-3 fatty acids; a Swedish study found that two groups of students studied improved ADHD symptoms after 15-weeks of omega-3 supplementation. (see References 2)
Diet Types
A well-known nutrition plan for ADHD is the Feingold Diet. According to the Feingold Diet website, the program consists of removing artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, aspartame (Nutrasweet), and the artificial preservatives BHA, BHT, and TBHQ. Aspirin and salicylate are also eliminated in the initial phase of the diet. These additives are believed by some to cause behavior issues in sensitive people. (see References 3)
Other diets that have been used to treat ADHD include a gluten-free diet, high-protein/low-carb diet and a low or no sugar diet. (see References 4). Omega-3 supplementation, along with iron and zinc supplementation, are also possible alternatives. (see References 1)
Research
Along with the Swedish study noted above, several studies have looked at the connection between nutrition and ADHD. A 2008 study published in Nutrition Reviews found "current evidence supports indications of nutritional and dietary influences on behavior and learning in these children, with the strongest support to date reported for omega-3s and behavioral food reactions." (see References 5) Another study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found an elimination diet "may be an effective instrument to reduce physical complaints in children with ADHD," but more studies were needed to determine if somatic symptoms were improved.
Time Frame
Most ADHD diets are meant to last a lifetime, as the offending foods removed are believed to forever effect the individual. For the Feingold Diet, improvements may be seen in as little as three days up to three weeks, according to their website. (see References 3).
Considerations
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no evidence that food additives cause ADHD, though a number of studies show that "certain food colorings and preservatives may cause or worsen hyperactive behavior in some children."
The Mayo Clinic also notes that removing too many foods from the diet can cause a deficiency in nutrients, and supplementation with too many vitamins can also be harmful.
References
- "PsychCentral": Managing ADHD with Diet
- "PubMed": EPA supplementation improves teacher-rated behaviour and oppositional symptoms in children with ADHD.
- "Feingold Association of the US": Overview of the Feingold Diet
- "ADDitude": Alternative ADHD Treatment: Can Diet Ease Symptoms?
- "PubMed": Nutritional and dietary influences on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
