Gluten & ADD in Children

Links are being made between gluten intolerance and attention deficit disorder, particularly among school-age children. Diagnoses for ADD, ADHD, and autism are often accompanied by gluten intolerance or celiac disease (gluten allergy), or another food allergy (often lactose intolerance or an allergy to food additives). Dealing with these food allergies has been known to calm the symptoms of attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity.

History

• Gluten intolerance affects up to 35 percent of Americans, and is the most common food-based autoimmune disease. While its major symptoms are related to the digestive system, gluten intolerance and celiac disease are linked to a number of rheumatic and behavioral disorders, including ADD, ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Research

• A 2005 study linked behavioral disorders, particularly depression, to gluten consumption in adolescents. After three months on a gluten-free diet, the adolescents studied showed a significant decrease in ADHD and depression.

Gluten-Free Diet

• Switching to a gluten-free diet requires some forethought and planning, but there are many gluten-free options available in supermarkets and restaurants, and it is easier than ever before to keep a gluten free diet for yourself or your children. Gluten is a protein found primarily in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley, but often hidden in many processed foods, such as soy sauce. Shared equipment, whether from processed foods or in the home, can be dangerous for people who are extremely sensitive to gluten, and often they may need to eat from a dedicated gluten-free facility. There are many resources online, as well as books and magazines, offering advice, recipes, and reviews for celiacs.

Warning

• The links between gluten and behavioral disorders have been studied, but, as with any major health decision for you or your children, a doctor should be consulted. Blood tests for gluten intolerance are available, or ask your doctor if a food allergy could be the source of your child's behavioral disorder. Caution should be taken in introducing any new diet, to ensure that important nutrients are not neglected.

Significance

• The possible connection between gluten intolerance and behavioral disorders, such as ADD is, for the most part, positive news. While avoiding gluten does involve a significant diet change, this could be a more natural way to treat behavioral disorders and help children overcome learning difficulties. As more and more people are being diagnosed with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is becoming much less difficult to maintain, even for busy parents.