Nutrition and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional impulsivity. This is one of the most common disorders that children can get. However, it can also affect many adults.
The exact cause of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is still unknown, but studies on the condition suggest that genetics play a major role in causing this symptom. Other factors such as: environmental toxicity, zinc nutrition during fetal life are also related to this disease.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is triggered by low levels of dopamine and noradrenaline responsible for self-regulation in the brain region. When these functions are impaired, the person struggles to complete tasks such as time perception, concentration, and limiting inappropriate behavior.
Furthermore, the condition affects your ability to work, study, and maintain the right relationships, which can reduce quality of life.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is not considered to be a treatable disease, but can only be treated as an alternative by reducing its symptoms. Simultaneously combined with behavioral therapy as well as supportive drugs for the treatment process. Furthermore, changes in diet or nutrition can also control the symptoms that cause the disease.

The effects of food on behavior is a relatively new field to science and is also controversial among scientists or different schools of science. However, some studies have also found that certain foods have an effect on human behavior. For example, caffeine can increase alertness, chocolate can affect mood, or alcohol can alter behavior.
Nutrient deficiencies can also affect behavior. Recent research has concluded that subjects supplemented with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals significantly reduced antisocial behavior compared with subjects given a placebo supplement.
Other studies show that vitamin and mineral supplements can also reduce antisocial behavior in children. In addition, polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been shown to reduce violent behavior.
Given the evidence that foods and supplements can influence behavior, the hypothesis of their influence on ADHD and attention deficit symptoms seems entirely reasonable. Because most of these symptoms are behavioral.
For the same reason, a large body of nutrition research has examined the effects of foods and supplements on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are two types of studies conducted:
Supplemental studies: They focus on supplementation with one or several nutrients. Elimination studies: These focus on removing one or more nutrients from the composition of the diet.

Many studies have shown that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder do not have a balanced diet and lack nutrients. This led researchers to speculate that the supplements might improve symptoms of the disease.
Nutrition studies have looked at the effects of several supplements on ADHD symptoms, including: amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
3.1. Supplementing with amino acids
Every cell in the body needs amino acids to function. Of these, amino acids are used to make neurotransmitters or make signaling molecules in the brain. In particular, the amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan are used to make the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been shown to have problems with this neurotransmitter, as well as with blood and urine levels of this amino acid. For this reason, several studies have looked at how amino acid supplements affect ADHD symptoms in children. The supplements Tyrosine and S-adenosylmethionine have provided mixed results: some studies show no effect and others show that their benefit for these symptoms is rather modest. cost.

3.2. Vitamin and mineral supplements
Iron and zinc deficiencies can cause mental impairment in all children, whether they have ADHD or not. However, lower levels of zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus have been repeatedly reported in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Several studies have looked at the effects of zinc supplementation and all of them reported improvement in symptoms. Other studies have also evaluated the effects of iron supplements on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and have also found an improvement in symptoms with iron supplementation. However, more research is still needed for this association.
The effects of doses of vitamins B6, B5, B3, and vitamin C were also evaluated, but no improvement was found in ADHD symptoms.
However, a 2014 trial of a multivitamin and mineral supplement found it effective. The adults took the supplement and the results showed an improvement in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder scale after 8 weeks compared with the placebo group.
3.3. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the brain. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than normal children. Furthermore, the lower the omega-3 levels, the more likely children with ADHD will have learning and behavioral problems. Therefore, it is not surprising that many studies have found omega-3 supplements to improve symptoms of ADHD. However, the improvement effect is still quite modest.
Omega-3 helps improve task completion and inattention. In addition, it helps to reduce restlessness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, not all researchers are convinced with this hypothesis. An analytical study showed that estimating ADHD symptoms using the Connoror Rating Scale (CRS), concluded that there is poor evidence for omega-3 supplementation. to improve symptoms of hyperactivity disorder in children.

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to have an adverse reaction to food. It is this that has fueled speculation that eliminating problematic foods could help improve symptoms.
Studies have looked at the impact of eliminating food ingredients including: food additives, preservatives, sweeteners, food allergens.
4.1. Eliminating salicylates and food additives
Dr. Feingold has found that food can affect behaviour. In the 1970s he prescribed a diet for his patients, which eliminated some of the food ingredients that caused them to react.
Salicylate-free diets are compounds found in many foods, drugs, and food additives. While on the diet, some Feingold patients report improvements in their behavior problems.
Soon after, Feingold began recruiting children diagnosed with hyperactivity for his diet experiments. He claims that 30-50% of them have improved thanks to the diet.
Feingold's research was honored by many parents who founded the Feingold Association of America. Although conclusive reviews of his diet are not an effective intervention for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, it has stimulated further studies of its effects. food and additive removal for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
However, some medical professionals advise against using the salicylate elimination diet in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This diet can cause nutrient deficiencies and promote food aversion in children.

4.2. Eliminate Artificial Colors and Preservatives
After Feingold's diet was no longer deemed effective, researchers narrowed their focus to look at artificial food colors and preservatives . This is because these substances seem to affect children's behavior regardless of whether they have ADHD.
A follow-up study of 800 children with suspected hyperactivity. In the group 75% of the children studied improved when using a diet free of artificial food coloring. However, the symptoms of hyperactivity recurred after the introduction of artificial colorants into the diet.
Or another study found that hyperactivity was increased in children when consuming an artificial food color, sodium benzoate (a preservative).
Although these studies have shown that food colorings can increase hyperactivity, many people argue that the evidence is not strong enough to support it. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires certain artificial colors to be listed on food packaging. At the same time, the European Union (EU) also requires food with artificial colors to be listed on food labels. This is intended to warn of the impact on children's attention and behavior.
4.3. Eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners
Soft drinks are linked to increased hyperactivity and low blood sugar is also common in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, several observational studies have found sugar intake to be associated with ADHD in children and adolescents.
However, some other studies have not found a relationship between sugar and behaviour. Research testing artificial sweeteners made from aspartame also found no link. Theoretically, it's more likely that sugar causes inattention rather than hyperactivity. Because blood sugar imbalances can cause attention levels to drop.
Research on the effects of food on ADHD symptoms has not found convincing evidence. However, the studies mentioned here show that diet can have a dramatic effect on behavior.
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Reference source: healthline.com

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