Behavioral problems for a growing number of children include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. This commonly-diagnosed developmental disorder typically includes hyperactivity, disruptiveness, inattention and impulse behavior. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, notes that ADHD affects three to five percent of school-age children. Treating behavioral problems in children with medication has increased approximately fivefold since the 1990s. However, several researchers, including California allergist Benjamin Feingold, claim that diet may affect behavioral problems in children. Though medical evidence on using nutrition for behavioral problems is not yet conclusive, it is thought to be an important factor.
Signs and Symptoms
Behavioral problems in children are more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls. The genders may also show varying signs and symptoms of behavioral disorders. UMMC notes that girls may show more inattention, while boys are more hyperactive. The symptoms cause a significant disturbance to daily function and typically appear before age seven. A child should show at least six indications such as inattention, difficulty organizing activities and tasks, easily distracted, forgetfulness, fidgeting, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Feingold Diet
The Feingold diet by allergist Benjamin Feingold eliminates food additives and other substances that may increase behavioral problems in children sensitive to these compounds. Feingold believed that chemical preservatives, artificial flavors and colors as well as salicylates --- naturally-occurring compounds in foods --- contributed to learning problems and hyperactive behavior in children. Following the Feingold diet requires changes in a family's lifestyle and diet habits. However, this diet is not yet medically proven to help behavioral problems.
Glycemic Control
Balancing or eliminating sugar is a popular method to help control hyperactivity and attention-deficit behavioral problems in children, though studies do not show a relation between ADHD and sugar intake. However, a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology reports that better glycemic control in the diet contributed to fewer external behavioral problems in children. Glycemic control involves balancing blood sugar levels so they do not fluctuate too high or too low. Children who ate a balanced breakfast regularly enhanced their daily nutritional intake and glycemic control for improvement in academic performance and psychosocial behavior, according to research published in The Annals of Nutrition Metabolism.
Nutrients That Influence Behavior
A deficiency or imbalance in vitamin and mineral nutrients may also lead to behavioral problems. UMMC lists a magnesium deficiency to cause irritability, mental confusion and decreased attention span. The recommended daily intake of this mineral is 200 mg. Vitamin B-6 is another nutrient necessary for the brain to produce neurotransmitters or signal chemicals that influence mood and behavior. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that essential fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids may also help balance brain function to control behavior and mood disorders. Children with behavioral problems should be tested for nutrient deficiencies; foods high in nutrients should be added to their daily diets. The body more easily absorbs nutrients from food; take supplements only if a doctor recommends.
References
- "Nutrition Action"; Diet & Behavior in Children; David Shardt; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Annals of Nutrition Metabolism"; Diet, Breakfast, and Academic Performance in Children; R.E. Kleinman, et al.; 2002
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; J. Burgress, et al.; 2000
- "Journal of Pediatric Psychology"; Child Behavior Problems and Family Functioning as Predictors of Adherence and Glycemic Control in Economically Disadvantaged Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Prospective Study; D. Cohen, et al.; 2004
