In 1975, Ben F. Feingold, M.D., linked diet to increased hyperactivity and learning disabilities in children. Since then, his recommendations have been the subject of controversy. Diet is still not considered a recommended sole treatment for ADHD or autism. However, it is being studied for its potential as an adjunct to standard treatments of medication and behavioral counseling.
Book
"The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) and Other Interventions" was published in 2009 by Barrie Silberberg. The book provides tips and recipes for parents of children with ADHD or autism who want to put their child on a diet free of artificial dyes, preservatives, gluten and casein. The author also shared her story of putting her own son on the diet, whom she says experienced reduced autistic symptoms as a result of the plan.
Types
Several types of diets have been suggested as interventions for those with autism and ADHD. These include diets that are gluten-free/casein-free, free of artificial dyes and preservatives, sugar-free and salicylate-free. Gluten is a protein found in grain-based products. Casein is a protein found in milk and dairy products. Salicylates are naturally found in foods, including almonds, oranges, raspberries, apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, strawberries, cucumbers, plums and tomatoes. Supplementation has also been suggested, as many autistic children have nutritional deficiencies, according to a 2008 review published by Luke T. Curtis and Kalpana Patel in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine."
Effects
L-carnosine, vitamin B6, folate, omega-3 fats, magnesium and vitamin C may be helpful in treating autistic symptoms, according to the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" review. Case reports also suggest that cod liver oil, carnitine and coenzyme Q may be beneficial. Omega-3 fats, vitamin C, carnitine, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 may be helpful in treatment of ADHD, according to the same review. Studies that eliminated casein and gluten in the diets of children with autism have found mixed results. Studies of the effect of sugar and food additives on ADHD have also found mixed results. Eliminating food coloring; food preservatives such as benzoate, nitrates and monosodium glutamate; as well as food that naturally contains salicylates may be helpful in the treatment of ADHD, according to the review.
Considerations
Many studies that analyze diet and ADHD or autistic symptoms rely on parent and teacher reports to determine prevalence of symptoms. If parents and teachers know that children are on a special diet, they may be biased and be more likely to report reduced symptoms. Special diets can also be stigmatizing if a child can't eat the same foods as his friends. They also may divert time and resources from other parts of a treatment plan, as well as increase the risk for nutritional deficiencies.
Potential
A special diet may be helpful as an adjunct treatment to medication and counseling in some children. Larger studies are needed in the future, as many studies of diet and ADHD or autism symptoms have had small sample sizes. Studies are also needed that determine the effect of multiple treatments administered concurrently, such as special diet and medication, to determine if there is a synergistic effect.
