Can Diet Affect ADHD in Children?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children in the United States.

Comprehensive treatment strategies are beneficial in managing ADHD. Your child’s plan may include medication, behavior therapy, education services, and parental skills training. However, researchers have also focused on the role of diet in ADHD management.

The team at Garland Pediatric Practice in Garland, Texas, led by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Phani Bodavula, partners with parents and educators to support children experiencing the challenges of ADHD.

Read our team’s commonsense approach to nutrition and its role in managing ADHD.

ADHD and diet

Although the exact cause of ADHD remains elusive, factors like genetics and exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy are potential culprits.

Researchers have also investigated the role of diet, but results are thus far inconclusive in linking certain foods or food additives to developing ADHD.

However, certain dietary influences and habits can certainly exacerbate ADHD symptoms, including:

Excess sugar intake

While sugar can cause a burst of energy in many kids, there's limited scientific evidence linking it directly to ADHD symptoms.

However, a high-sugar diet that includes excess empty carbs like cookies and cakes can lead to blood sugar fluctuations, which might affect mood and energy levels associated with ADHD.

Allergies or food sensitivities

Some children might have undiagnosed food allergies or sensitivities that could aggravate ADHD symptoms. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, and certain artificial additives.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

A recent research review indicated that vitamin A, D, and omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies may also contribute to ADHD symptoms. Some children with ADHD also have reduced levels of micronutrients like zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium.

Finding the right balance

While research is inconclusive about specific foods or food groups contributing to ADHD, poor dietary patterns can sometimes worsen ADHD symptoms.

Also, studies indicate an increased incidence of ADHD in populations indulging in a Western diet of highly processed, fatty, sugary foods. Conversely, ADHD incidence is lower in areas where diets are rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Although diet can’t be identified as the cause of ADHD or a stand-alone treatment, there’s evidence that healthy, balanced nutrition combined with other therapies can contribute to successfully managing ADHD.

Which diet is best for ADHD?

Because children require a balanced diet to develop healthy bones, muscles, and brains, Dr. Bodavula recommends scheduling a consultation before making significant changes in your child’s diet.

Generally, however, healthy diets include a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and other nutrient-dense foods.

Check nutrition labels on prepackaged foods and limit those with added sugars (corn sweetener, corn syrup). Select low-sodium products and use vegetable or nut oils to replace saturated fats when cooking.

If your child drinks fruit juice, use 100% fruit with no added sugars. Offer fruit, nuts, or popcorn for snack time rather than chips or cookies. Try yogurt to replace ice cream or oatmeal with fresh fruit rather than sugary breakfast cereals.

If your child is older and used to salty, sugary snacks and fast food, make changes gradually to encourage their participation. Fortunately, younger children may never miss prepackaged treats if they start toddlerhood on a healthy diet.

Diet might play a role in ADHD for some children, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bodavula at Garland Pediatric Practice today for a comprehensive treatment strategy. Call the office or request an appointment online.