Dante Carrillo
Dietary changes are often considered as a potential way to help children with ADD (also known as ADHD). While medication is the most effective treatment for ADD, some parents believe that certain foods can make symptoms worse, and that dietary changes could help. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of dietary changes, and no specific diet has been proven to cure ADD. Nevertheless, some studies have shown that non-healthy dietary patterns are positively associated with ADD, while healthy patterns are negatively associated. In addition, certain vitamins and supplements may help children with ADD who are deficient in specific nutrients. Overall, while dietary changes may not cure ADD, they can lay a foundation for overall good health, which may help to manage symptoms.
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What You'll Learn
The role of sugar in ADD
While medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD, some parents believe that certain foods can worsen their children's symptoms. Sugar is one of the most commonly implicated foods, with many parents reporting that their children become more hyperactive and irritable after consuming it.
Some studies have found a link between sugar consumption and ADHD symptoms. A 2020 review of studies, for example, found that increased consumption of sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with a worsening of ADHD symptoms. Another study from the University of South Carolina concluded that the more sugar hyperactive children consumed, the more destructive and restless they became.
However, the overall research is inconclusive, with some studies finding no correlation between sugar and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. For instance, a birth cohort study found that an increase in sugar consumption between the ages of 6 and 11 was not associated with a higher incidence of ADHD.
While the role of sugar in ADHD is not yet fully understood, some experts believe that limiting sugar can be beneficial for children with ADHD. Sugar can give children more energy, which may manifest as hyperactivity. Additionally, reducing sugar intake can have other health benefits, such as lowering the risk of obesity and improving dental health.
It is important to note that dietary changes should not replace prescribed medical treatment for ADHD. If parents want to explore dietary modifications, they should consult a healthcare professional to ensure that any dietary changes do not interfere with their child's medication or overall nutrition.
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Vitamins and mineral supplements
While medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD, some parents opt for dietary changes to help their children manage their symptoms. One approach is to supplement their child's diet with vitamins and minerals.
Some people claim that children with ADHD have lower levels of vitamins and minerals in their blood, and therefore giving them certain vitamins may lessen their ADHD symptoms. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. Some experts recommend that people with ADHD take a 100% vitamin and mineral supplement daily, while others argue that a normal, balanced diet provides all the nutrients a child needs.
One study found that children with ADHD who were given supplemental micronutrients showed improved concentration and mood. Another study found that 54% of children with ADHD who were given supplemental vitamins and minerals showed improvement in their symptoms, compared to 18% in the placebo group.
Some specific vitamins and minerals that may be beneficial for children with ADHD include:
- Iron: Low iron levels can be a problem for children with ADHD as it is crucial for normal brain function.
- Zinc: Zinc has indirect effects on dopamine metabolism and antioxidant functions. Chinese children with zinc deficiency showed improved neuropsychological function and growth when their zinc levels were repleted.
- Magnesium: Some case-control trials have shown reduced serum levels of magnesium in patients with ADHD compared to healthy controls.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in salmon and other fish, omega-3 fatty acids support brain health.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin helps the body absorb other nutrients and is essential for bone health, muscle nerve connections to the brain, and immune system function.
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Herbal supplements
Several herbal supplements have been suggested to help with the symptoms of ADHD. However, it is important to remember that dietary changes should not replace prescribed medical treatment.
Some studies have shown that Passiflora incarnata L., Crocus sativus L., and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb have similar efficacy in treating ADHD compared to methylphenidate (MPH). These herbal medicines appear to be relatively safe and potentially effective in ameliorating ADHD symptoms.
Iron supplements have also been shown to improve symptoms in children with ADHD who are deficient in iron. It is important to measure the iron levels in a child's blood before giving them an iron supplement. Doctors can test for hemoglobin and hematocrit, which indicate the iron level in red blood cells, and ferritin levels, a protein found inside cells that store iron, are also often low or borderline low in children with ADHD.
Melatonin supplements have been shown to help children with ADHD sleep longer and fall asleep faster. Melatonin treats sleep-onset insomnia in children with ADHD, but not primary ADHD symptoms.
While some experts recommend that children with ADHD take a 100% vitamin and mineral supplement each day, others argue that a normal, balanced diet provides sufficient vitamins and minerals, and there is no scientific evidence that vitamin or mineral supplements help all children with ADHD.
It is always recommended to check with a doctor to ensure that supplements do not affect any medication a child may be taking or the way it is absorbed.
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Overall nutrition
While there is no definitive evidence that specific foods can cause or cure ADD/ADHD, a healthy diet is thought to support overall health and may have benefits for the condition.
A healthy diet for children with ADD/ADHD is generally considered to include high-quality proteins, such as lean meats, poultry, and eggs, as well as fish rich in omega fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy unsaturated fats. It is recommended to limit unhealthy saturated and trans fats, rapidly digested carbohydrates, and highly processed and fast food.
Some parents of children with ADD/ADHD report that cutting out sugar, artificial additives, and food dyes helps reduce symptoms and improves concentration. However, while sugar may give children more energy, making them appear more hyperactive, it is important to note that it does not directly cause hyperactivity. Eliminating sugar and additives from a child's diet is also beneficial for other health reasons.
In addition to these dietary adjustments, some experts recommend that children with ADD/ADHD take a 100% vitamin and mineral supplement daily. However, other experts argue that a normal, balanced diet provides sufficient vitamins and minerals, and there is limited evidence that supplements help all children with ADD/ADHD. Vitamin D and magnesium supplements have been found to improve symptoms when baseline vitamin D levels are insufficient or deficient.
It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes, as supplements and herbal remedies may interact with ADD/ADHD medications, and nutritional deficiencies or growth issues can occur. Dietary changes should not replace prescribed medical treatments, but they may be used alongside medication and behaviour therapy.
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Food additives and dyes
While there is limited research on the impact of diet on ADHD symptoms, some studies have shown that dietary patterns may influence the risk of ADHD.
Food dyes and additives have been a particular area of interest in this field. A 2022 review of studies found that blue food dye may be linked to ADHD symptoms in children. Many foods marketed towards children, such as cereals and fruit drinks, use these dyes to create bright colours, which may negatively impact their symptoms. As a result, eliminating these foods from a child's diet may help manage their symptoms.
However, it is important to note that there is no solid research showing that food dyes or additives directly affect ADHD symptoms. While some parents report that reducing sugar or additives in their children's diets helps reduce ADHD symptoms, experts attribute this to a general reduction in hyperactivity due to lower energy levels.
Instead, it is recommended to focus on overall nutrition and health when considering dietary changes for children with ADHD. A healthy diet includes high-quality proteins like lean meats, poultry, fish rich in omega fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy unsaturated fats. It is also important to limit unhealthy saturated and trans fats, rapidly digested carbohydrates, and highly processed and fast food.
In addition to a healthy diet, supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals may be beneficial for children with ADHD. However, it is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes or introducing supplements, as there may be interactions with medications, and supplements may not be necessary if a child is already meeting their nutritional needs through their diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Most children benefit from routine, so try to establish a consistent eating pattern. Encourage your child to help with meal preparation and presentation, and eat together to make mealtimes more fun. Eating a variety of colours, textures, and flavours can help your child enjoy a variety of foods.
While there is no solid research showing that specific foods affect ADHD symptoms, eating a healthy diet that supports overall health may have benefits for ADD. This includes high-quality proteins like lean meats, poultry, and fish rich in omega fatty acids (e.g. salmon), fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy unsaturated fats.
Some experts recommend daily vitamin and mineral supplements, especially if your child is deficient in certain nutrients. However, other experts believe that a normal, balanced diet provides sufficient nutrients, and there is limited evidence that supplements help all children with ADD. Consult your child's doctor or dietitian for advice on whether supplements are necessary.
