Proper nutrition plays an important role in learning and behavior. If a child is not getting enough micronutrients in his daily diet, it can affect his learning ability. Research findings published in the "International Journal of Pediatrics" in 2010 provide evidence that a diet lacking in particular micronutrients is directly related to attention deficit disorder and other learning and behavioral problems in children.
Essential Fatty Acids
Kids with attention deficit disorder might be lacking proper amounts of essential fatty acids in their diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids help regulate the brain's neurological and psychological function. Kids with attention deficit disorder seem to benefit from a dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids, according to studies published in the "Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry" in 2004 and in the "Journal of Lipids in Health and Disease" in 2010. These studies found that essential fatty acids can improve symptoms of attention deficit, hyperactivity and emotional problems. The 2010 dietary guidelines state that children ages 4 to 13 need about 10 mg of omega-6 fatty acids and about 1 mg of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.
Zinc
Children with attention deficit may not be getting enough micronutrients in their diet. Zinc, copper and iron are involved in the production of two important neurotransmitters in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. A diet that is low or deficient in these trace minerals can cause attention deficit disorder, according to Joy Y. Kiddie's research in the "International Journal of Pediatrics" in 2010. Kiddie's clinical study assessed the nutritional status of children ages 6 to 8 and children ages 9 to 12 with attention deficit disorder. The results showed these children had much lower dietary intakes of zinc than normal, and their blood test results for zinc were also lower than normal. The recommended daily amount of zinc for children ages 4 to 8 is 5 mg and for children ages 9 to 13 is 8 mg, according to the 2010 dietary guidelines. Primary food sources for zinc are all kinds of meat, whole grains, nuts, milk and milk products, fortified cereals and enriched bread. Children need to get their nutrients from foods and not supplements. Supplementing a child's diet with zinc can be harmful. If you believe your child needs a supplement, seek advice from your child's doctor or a registered dietitian.
Copper
Copper is also an essential component of several enzymes involved in your body's ability to use iron, oxygen, glucose and for brain development. Kiddie's study also showed that children had much lower dietary intakes of copper than normal, and their blood test results for copper were also lower than normal. The recommended daily amount of copper for children ages 4 to 8 is 440 mcg and for children ages 9 to 13 is 700 mcg. Primary food sources for copper are dried beans, whole grains, ready-to-eat cereals, seafood, nuts and seeds, bread and potatoes. It is better for children to get nutrients from food and not supplements. Supplementing a child's diet with copper can be harmful. If you believe your child needs a supplement, seek advice from your child's doctor or a registered dietitian.
Iron
Iron is also an essential for transporting oxygen into red blood cells, for muscle protein and for certain biological reactions. Kiddie's study also showed that children had lower dietary intakes of iron than normal, and their blood test results for iron were also lower than normal. The recommended daily amount of iron for children ages 4 to 8 is 10 mg for children ages 9 to 13 is 8 mg. Primary food sources for iron are dried beans, liver, beef and pork, iron-fortified cereals, prunes, apricots, raisins, spinach and enriched bread and pasta. It is better to get nutrients from food and not supplements. Supplementing a child's diet with iron can be harmful. If you believe your child needs a supplement, seek advice from your child's doctor or a registered dietitian.
References
- International Journal of Pediatrics: Nutritional Status of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study; Kiddie J.Y., et al; May 2010
- Lipids in Health and Disease: Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Magnesium and Zinc in Children Seeking Medical Advice for Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Problems -- An Observational Cohort Study; Michael Huss, et al; September 2010
- Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry: Dietary Patterns and Blood Fatty Acid Composition in Children with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan; Chen J.R., et al; August 2005
- USDA: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010
