Nutrition for Children With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects more than 2 million children in the United States. The symptoms include restlessness and trouble concentrating. Several different pharmaceutical medications are available for treatment however, some parents have become interested in treating ADHD children with nutrition changes.

Omega-3

• In a study conducted at Oxford University in England, adding fatty acids to the diet of children with ADHD significantly reduced their symptoms. Traditional western diets are lower in omega-3 than any other fatty acid. Good sources of omega-3 include fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to convince children to eat these fish regularly. Flax oil is an excellent source of omega-3. Flax does not taste great on its own but can be mixed into yogurt or smoothies, added to egg salad or tuna salad or mixed one to one with maple syrup as a sugar substitute.

Protein

• In order for fatty acids to work in the body, aminoacids are needed as well. The body produces aminoacids from protein. A diet high in protein, especially at breakfast, can improve concentration and reduce misdirected energy. Sugary cereals and pancakes can be replaced with eggs, bacon, sausage, yogurt or toast with peanut butter.

Iron

• Research in the U.S. and in France has suggested a link between ADHD and iron deficiencies. Approximately one third of children diagnosed with ADHD have insufficient iron levels and lower levels usually correlate with more severe symptoms. As of August 2009, no research has specifically linked iron supplementation with a reduction in ADHD symptoms. Additionally, too much iron can be extremely harmful. Before supplementing iron, children should be tested for low levels.

Food Allergies

• Children with ADHD may have food allergies with symptoms that do not manifest. Instead, the allergen is undercutting the body's ability to use certain vitamins and minerals like iron or zinc. Potential allergies include peanuts, eggs, dairy, yeast, soy, corn, wheat and artificial preservatives or colors. Research has shown a reduction in ADHD symptoms in children when allergens are removed from the diet. Doctors can test children for any of the above allergies.

Medication

• In response to the large number of parents attempting to treat ADHD with nutrition, some doctors warn against taking medication out of the picture. Omega-3 is good to include in the diet regardless of an ADHD diagnosis. Iron deficiencies should be treated; and protein should not be left out of any diet. And it does no harm to check children for food allergies. However, there are conflicting research studies on the efficacy of any of these nutrition treatments in reducing ADHD symptoms. Parents should not take a child with ADHD off their medication before consulting their doctor.