Attention deficit disorder, also known as ADD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, can be difficult to treat. Concerned parents often worry about drug side effects, and may wish to try lifestyle changes before medication. Unfortunately, research on how diet affects ADD is still in very early stages, so it is too soon for doctors to be certain any diet change will help. However, some promising preliminary results suggest ADD symptoms may improve with some forms of supplementation, or careful choice of diet.
Causes
Environmental factors like diet could play a role in causing ADD. Children exposed to high levels of pesticides in their diets had almost two-fold higher risk of ADD compared with children with the lowest levels of pesticide exposure, according to a study published in 2010 in the journal "Pediatrics." The study, led by Maryse Bouchard, Ph.D. of Harvard University, did not prove that pesticides actually cause ADD; the association the researchers observed could be just a coincidence. Future studies need to examine whether eating organically-grown produce helps to prevent ADD.
Hazards
Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not affect ADD symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. However, a 2007 study led by Donna McCann, Ph.D., published in the medical journal "Lancet," found that children given a drink containing artificial food colors, or the preservative sodium benzoate, exhibited more hyperactive behavior compared to children given the same drink without additives. The researchers studied ordinary 3- and 8-year old children, so it is not known whether children with ADD would respond similarly. However, because food colors have no nutritive value, and are often found in unhealthy foods, there is no harm in avoiding these artificial food additives.
Expert Insight
The strongest evidence for beneficial foods for ADD comes from supplementation trials with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon or sardines. In 2006, an expert committee from the American Psychiatric Association issued a statement published in "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" recommending regular fish consumption or fish oil supplements for all patients suffering from impulse control disorders, including ADD. The experts recommended that people with ADD should eat fish at least twice per week, or take 1 g fish oil supplements daily.
Supplements
Supplements for iron, magnesium and zinc have reduced ADD symptoms in some children, according to an article by Natalie Sinn, Ph.D., published in 2008 in the journal "Nutrition Reviews." However, the children given supplements were deficient in iron or magnesium; there may not be any benefit for children without deficiencies. Future studies must also make sure the high zinc doses the researchers used are safe for children to take long-term.
Considerations
Even the most promising dietary interventions do not cure ADD; at best, they may only improve some symptoms, and the evidence is still preliminary. Consult a doctor before starting supplements, and never stop any medication without discussing your options with your physician first.
References
- "Pediatrics;" Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides; M.F. Bouchard et al; June 2010
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Pub Med: "Lancet;" Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial; D. McCann et al; November 2007.
- "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry;" Omega-3 fatty acids: evidence basis for treatment and future research in psychiatry; M.P. Freeman et al; December 2006.
- Wiley Online Library: "Nutrition Reviews;" Nutritional and dietary influences on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Natalie Sinn; October 2008.
