Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is characterized by excess activity and difficulty staying focused, paying attention and controlling behavior. This disorder affects mostly children but can continue into teen and adult years. The cause of ADHD is not certain, but factors, such as genetics, environment, brain injury and diet, are attributable. Nutritional intake and dietary practices are modifiable factors that have been identified in the treatment of ADHD.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral the body uses in cellular metabolism, wound healing and immune function. The body has no storage system for zinc so a daily intake is crucial. Zinc sources include beef, chicken, raisins, nuts and fortified cereals. Deficiencies in a healthy population are rare but have been associated with ADHD. In a study published in June 2008 in the "International Journal of Pediatrics," the University of British Columbia in Canada assessed the nutritional status of 43 children diagnosed with ADHD. It found that 66 percent of the children were deficient in zinc. After a review of ADHD studies the Osejik University Hospital in Croatia stated in the October 2009 issue of "Acta Medica Croatia" that zinc supplements have demonstrated a beneficial effect on ADHD treatment, but that additional studies are needed to confirm effective dosage.
Pesticides
Organophosphates, such as diazinon and malithion, are the most commonly used pesticides in the United States. They break down rapidly so there is little build up in the environment, but exposure through residue on fruits and vegetables present risks. "Pediatrics" published a study in June 2010 concluding that exposure to organophosphate pesticides at levels common among U.S. children, may contribute to ADHD. In an article published in the "Environmental Health Perspective" in March 2003, the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Washington examined pesticide exposure in preschool children. The study found significantly higher concentrations of urinary pesticide metabolites indicating exposure to organophosphates in children eating a conventional diet versus those eating an organic diet. It concluded that an organic diet can decrease exposure to the chemical. Various methods of food processing can also reduce pesticide exposure. According to a 2006 study from the European Union and noted on the Food Engineering and Ingredients website, peeling, blanching, canning and washing produce effectively removed 50 percent or more residue.
Food Additives
Food additives such as artificial colorings and preservatives are associated with hyperactive behavior. In October 2009, "Prescrire International" published a review of ADHD studies involving artificial colors. Two studies found that children in the general population had higher hyperactivity scores when consuming food colorings and 15 studies of diagnosed hyperactive children demonstrated an increase in hyperactive behavior with food coloring ingestion. MayoClinic.com states that additives, such as the preservative sodium benzoate and coloring agents FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No.40, can increase hyperactivity in some children. These are often found in sodas, juices, candy, ice cream and chewing gum; they are stated in the ingredient list on the food label.
References
- "International Journal of Pediatrics"; Nutritional Status of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study; Kiddie JY, et al.; June 2008
- "Acta Medica Croatia"; The Role of Zinc in the Treatment of Hyperactivity Disorder in Children; Dodig-Curkovic K., et al.; October 2009
- "Environmental Health Perspectives"; Organophosphorus Pesticide Exposure of Urban and Suburban Preschool Children with Organic and Conventional Diets; Cynthia L Curl, et al.; March 2003
- "Pediatrics"; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides; Bouchard MF, et al.; June 2010
- Food Engineering and Ingredients; Effects of Food Processing on Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables: a Meta-Analysis Approach
- "Prescrire International"; Artificial Food Colouring and Hyperactivity Dymptoms in Children; October 2009
