What is the diet for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) called?

ADHD Diet Terminology

There is no single universally recognized name for an "ADHD diet"—rather, multiple dietary approaches have been studied for ADHD symptom management, including elimination diets, oligoantigenic diets, additive-free diets, and supplementation protocols. 1, 2

Primary Dietary Approaches for ADHD

Elimination/Oligoantigenic Diet

• This involves systematically removing potential trigger foods and food components to identify individual sensitivities 1, 3
• Targets food additives, preservatives, artificial dyes, and specific allergenic foods 1, 4
• Important caveat: These diets are time-consuming, disruptive to households, and should only be used in selected patients who fail medication or when parents refuse pharmacotherapy 1
• Risk of nutritional deficiencies requires careful monitoring 2

Additive-Free/Feingold Diet

• Originally developed in the 1970s by Dr. Benjamin Feingold, this diet eliminates artificial food additives and dyes 1, 4
• British government requested removal of most artificial food dyes from products in 2009 based on behavioral research 4
• Evidence remains mixed, with more rigorous studies showing less dramatic effects than initial reports 4

"Healthy" vs "Western-Pattern" Diet Modification

• Western-pattern diet (high in fat and refined sugars) is positively associated with ADHD risk 1, 2
• Healthy dietary patterns (high in fiber, folate, omega-3 fatty acids) are negatively associated with ADHD 1, 2
• This approach focuses on overall dietary quality rather than specific restrictions 2

Nutritional Supplementation Approaches

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation

• The most recent dietary treatment with positive efficacy reports 1
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is particularly important for brain development and function 5
• May warrant a trial in patients failing medication or when parents oppose pharmacotherapy 1

Micronutrient Supplementation

• Vitamin D (with or without magnesium) improves ADHD symptoms when baseline levels are insufficient/deficient 2
• Iron and zinc supplementation indicated in patients with known deficiencies and may enhance stimulant medication effectiveness 1, 5
• Magnesium and iodine deficiencies have also been linked to ADHD symptom development 5

Clinical Context and Limitations

Critical point: Dietary interventions are not first-line treatment for ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends FDA-approved medications (stimulants with effect size ~1.0, or non-stimulants like atomoxetine, extended-release guanfacine, and extended-release clonidine with effect size ~0.7) and/or evidence-based behavioral therapy as primary treatments. 6

Appropriate Indications for Dietary Approaches:

• Medication failure or inadequate response 1
• Parental or patient preference against pharmacotherapy 1
• Documented iron or other micronutrient deficiencies 1
• As adjunctive therapy to optimize overall treatment 1, 2

Important Caveats:

• Individual response varies significantly—what works for one child may not work for another 3
• More robust scientific evidence is required before dietary interventions can be implemented as standard ADHD therapy 2
• Elimination diets risk nutritional deficiencies and should be undertaken with caution and professional guidance 2
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizes prioritizing sleep and nutrition as part of comprehensive ADHD management, particularly during vulnerable periods like pregnancy and perimenopause 7, 8

Bottom line: Rather than a single "ADHD diet," clinicians should educate families about healthy dietary patterns that avoid ADHD-linked foods (Western-pattern diet components) while emphasizing ADHD-protective foods (omega-3 fatty acids, adequate micronutrients, fiber, folate), with targeted supplementation for documented deficiencies. 1, 2