Diet in the Treatment of ADHD in Children - a Systematic Review of the Literature

Overview

Journal Nord J Psychiatry

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialties Pharmacology
Psychiatry

Date 2014 Jun 18

PMID 24934907

Citations 28

Authors

Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter

Louise Beltoft Borup Andersen

Tine Houmann

Niels Bilenberg

Allan Hvolby

Christian Molgaard

Kim F Michaelsen

Lotte Lauritzen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in childhood. Dietary changes have been suggested as a way of reducing ADHD symptoms.

Aims: To provide an overview of the evidence available on dietary interventions in children with ADHD, a systematic review was carried out of all dietary intervention studies in children with ADHD.

Methods: Relevant databases were searched in October 2011, with an update search in March 2013. The studies included describe diet interventions in children with ADHD or equivalent diagnoses measuring possible changes in core ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Results: A total of 52 studies were identified, some investigating whether ADHD symptoms can improve by avoiding certain food elements (20 studies), and some whether certain food elements may reduce ADHD symptoms (32 studies).

Conclusion: Elimination diets and fish oil supplementation seem to be the most promising dietary interventions for a reduction in ADHD symptoms in children. However, the studies on both treatments have shortcomings, and more thorough investigations will be necessary to decide whether they are recommendable as part of ADHD treatment.

Citing Articles

Effects of an elimination diet and a healthy diet in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: 1-Year prospective follow-up of a two-arm randomized, controlled study (TRACE study).

Huberts-Bosch A, Bierens M, Rucklidge J, Ly V, Donders R, van de Loo-Neus G JCPP Adv. 2025; 5(1):e12257.

PMID: 40059999 PMC: 11889648. DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12257.

Early ultra-processed foods consumption and hyperactivity/inattention in adolescence.

Ferreira R, Marin A, Vitolo M, Campagnolo P Rev Saude Publica. 2024; 58():46.

PMID: 39442121 PMC: 11548911. DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2024058005636.

The association between junk foods consumption and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Khazdouz M, Safarzadeh R, Hejrani B, Hasani M, Mahdavi F, Ejtahed H Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024; 34(3):825-834.

PMID: 39037467 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02521-8.

Plasma fatty acids and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a Mendelian randomization investigation.

Zhou K, Zhang Q, Yuan Z, Yan Y, Zhao Q, Wang J Front Psychiatry. 2024; 15:1368942.

PMID: 38764473 PMC: 11099612. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1368942.

The Impact of Integrating a Low-Lectin Diet with Traditional ADHD Treatments on Gut Microbiota Composition and Symptom Improvement in Children - A Cohort Study.

Long L, Peng H, Chen X, Wang F, Long W, Cheng M Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2024; 20:535-549.

PMID: 38482022 PMC: 10936535. DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S449186.