It is normal for healthy children to display occasional bouts of disorganization, impulsiveness and excess energy. However, when these behaviors are persistent or extreme, they may be symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and lead to significant problems at home and at work. Nutritional approaches may help. Consult a qualified health care practitioner for more information about the role of nutrition in ADHD.
Additives and ADHD
Questions about the role of diet in ADHD symptoms gained popularity in the 1970s. That's when a physician named David Feingold proposed that food additives, especially food dyes, worsened behavior in children with ADHD or other behavioral problems. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a number of research studies have examined this question with mixed results. Some studies found that ADHD symptoms worsened after children consumed food dyes and others showed improvements when they followed an additive-free diet. However, some showed that additives had little impact on ADHD symptoms. Since additives do not help meet a child's nutritional needs, there's no reason not to try reducing them in your child's diet to see if ADHD symptoms subside. Your child may be one of those who benefit.
ADHD and the Glycemic Index
In a May 2009 article about the role of nutrition in ADHD in "Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing," physician Sanford Newmark states that a high intake of highly processed foods may be a factor in ADHD. Many processed foods are high on the glycemic index. That means they cause the rapid release of glucose into the bloodstream. The resulting spike in blood sugar can cause the hallmark ADHD symptoms of restlessness and inattention. Newmark describes a preliminary study in which young children were fed a low, medium, or high glycemic index breakfast. Those who ate the low glycemic index breakfast had superior scores on tests of attention and memory. They also exhibited less frustration. White bread, white rice and processed breakfast cereals are among the foods with high glycemic indexes.
Micronutrients for ADHD
A study from University of British Columbia and published in 2010 in the "International Journal of Pediatrics" suggests that children with ADHD consume lower levels of micronutrients, adding to speculation that ADHD is profoundly influenced by dietary factors. In the study, a nutritional assessment was taken for 43 children with ADHD. Sixty-six percent were found to have zinc deficiencies, and 23 percent had copper deficiencies. The authors state that ADHD may also be associated with low levels of iron. These minerals are obtainable from well-formulated multivitamin supplements or as standalone supplements. Use them under the direction of a qualified health care provider.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for ADHD
Consuming foods abundant in omega-3 fatty acids is a good approach for people with ADHD. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream may correlate with learning and behavioral problems. Research results on omega-3 supplements for ADHD have been inconclusive, but some studies indicated that omega-3 fatty acids helped improve ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fatty fish like salmon, lake trout and mackerel. Fish oil supplements are a good substitute for those who do not eat much fish. Consult a qualified health care professional before adding omega-3 supplements to your child's nutritional regimen.
References
- CSPI Nutrition Action Health Letter: Diet and Behavior in Children
- PubMed.gov: Nutritional Status of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study
- "Explore: the Journal of Science and Healing"; Nutritional Intervention in ADHD; Sanford Newmark; May 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
