Attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is a developmental disorder consisting of difficulties with attention, distractibility, impulsivity and altered executive functions. It is a multifaceted syndrome related to genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors. Nutrition and diet is considered an important factor in neurodevelopment. Therefore, doctors, nutritionists and dieticians have proposed some dietary interventions for ADHD to address the symptoms and signs of ADHD.
1. Exclusion of Artificial Colours, Flavours and Preservatives
Some studies support a relationship between food additives and aggressive behaviors in children with ADHD. Some children may have a food sensitivity to specific artificial food colours. However, eliminating food additives is still not recommended in routine medical treatment for children with ADHD.
2. Exclusion of Refined Sugar
It is hypothesized that sensitivity to refined sugar or functional reactive hypoglycemia, which increases the stress hormone (e.g., adrenaline) level in the body, contributes to the symptoms of ADHD. However, due to the number and design of most of the studies, the current evidence is weak.
3. Oligoantigenic Diet
It is a diet in which some highly allergenic foods (e.g., turkey, potato, banana, salt and pepper) are excluded. During the elimination phase of the oligoantigenic diet, children with ADHD show a response of symptom regression. Its long-term effectiveness remains unknown, but it offers a promising complementary therapy in the future.
4. Supplementation with Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) includes omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid. They are essential elements for the development and functioning of the neuronal membrane. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil supplements. It helps to build up the essential part of the nerve cell membrane. Many studies indicate that children with ADHD showed improvement in attention score after consuming fish oil.
5. Supplementation with Micronutrients
Studies have shown deficiencies in the serum level of certain minerals, neurotransmitters and vitamins in children with ADHD.
-Iron: The study demonstrates that serum ferritin levels and serum iron in children with ADHD are abnormally low, indicating low iron storage. It is suggested that an iron deficiency will cause abnormal dopaminergic neurotransmission and contribute to inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive symptoms.
-Zinc: Zinc is an essential factor for the metabolism of nutrients and neurotransmitters. Many children with ADHD have lower zinc concentrations than healthy children.
-Magnesium: The efficacy of magnesium for treating children with ADHD is still under evaluation. Some studies have shown that adding magnesium supplements decreases some symptoms of ADHD such as impulsiveness and low frustration tolerance.
–GABA: GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter primarily produced in the gut. Reduction of GABA is correlated with ADHD symptom severity and with motor skills. It is suggested that GABAergic transmission may be necessary for filtering sensory information and selecting appropriate behavioural responses.
-Vitamin D3:Vitamin D3 helps increase intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Studies showed that Vitamin D3 supplementation shows a slight significant improvement in ADHD total scores. However, children with ADHD should be supplemented with higher doses of vitamin D3 is still under discussion due to insufficient evidence.
-Vitamin B6:Vitamin B6 is necessary for the nervous system and immune system. It naturally occurs in poultry, fish, potatoes, chickpeas and bananas. One study showed that a Magnesium-B6 regime for at least two months significantly reduced the symptoms of ADHD, including hyperactivity and aggressiveness.
-L-theanine: It is a natural constituent in mushrooms and tea. A study shows that L-theanine can improve sleep quality in boys diagnosed with ADHD.
In conclusion, micronutrients might help address several emotional disturbances, including aggression and irritable mood. In addition to conferring the symptom improvements, the micronutrients supplements are usually safe and well-tolerated by children with ADHD.
References:
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