From the Guidelines
The study involving 300 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) placed on an elimination diet, resulting in 72% no longer meeting the criteria for ADHD after 3 months, is not directly referenced in the provided evidence. However, the role of dietary factors in managing ADHD symptoms in children is an area of interest. According to the clinical practice guideline by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, the primary recommendations for managing ADHD in children include prescribing US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications, along with parent training and behavioral classroom interventions. While dietary factors are not explicitly mentioned as a primary treatment in this guideline, they can play a supportive role in managing ADHD symptoms.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the role of dietary factors in ADHD management include:
- Ensuring adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development and function
- Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through regular meals with complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats
- Limiting sugar and caffeine intake, as they can increase hyperactivity
- Considering elimination diets under professional guidance to identify potential trigger foods
- Adequate hydration, as dehydration can impair cognitive function
It is essential to note that individual responses to dietary changes can vary significantly, and these approaches should complement rather than replace conventional treatments. The provided evidence primarily focuses on the effectiveness of medications and behavioral therapies in managing ADHD symptoms, with a strong recommendation for their use 1. However, incorporating dietary factors into a comprehensive treatment plan may provide additional benefits for some children with ADHD.
From the Research
Study Overview
- The study involving 300 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) placed on an elimination diet, resulting in 72% no longer meeting the criteria for ADHD after 3 months, was not found in the provided evidence.
Dietary Factors in ADHD Management
- Dietary changes have been suggested as a way of reducing ADHD symptoms 2.
- Elimination diets and fish oil supplementation seem to be the most promising dietary interventions for a reduction in ADHD symptoms in children 2.
- A strictly supervised elimination diet may be a valuable instrument in testing young children with ADHD on whether dietary factors may contribute to the manifestation of the disorder and may have a beneficial effect on the children's behaviour 3, 4.
- The effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behaviour of children with ADHD have been investigated in several studies, with some showing significant improvements in symptoms 3, 4.
Specific Study Findings
- A study published in 2009 found that 73% of children with ADHD who followed a restricted elimination diet showed a significant reduction in symptoms, compared to 0% in the control group 3.
- The INCA study, published in 2011, found that a restricted elimination diet resulted in a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms in 63% of children who responded to the diet 4.
- A 2019 review found that there is no clear evidence to support dietary interventions for the treatment of ADHD, and that the effects of unhealthy diet patterns in ADHD individuals are not yet fully understood 5.
- A 2024 study found that an elimination diet and a healthy diet had similar effects on ADHD symptoms in children, and that the lack of superiority of the elimination diet suggests that dietary treatment response is not rooted in food allergies or sensitivities 6.