Do eating habits influence ADHD symptoms?
Approximately 3.4% of children and adolescents worldwide are affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in early childhood and adolescence, and its effects can extend into adulthood. ADHD is primarily characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
The origin of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is multifactorial and the following may be involved:
- Genetic factors : it has been proven that the heritability of ADHD is 76%.
- Environmental factors have been linked to aspects such as prematurity and low birth weight; exposure to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs during gestation, as well as substances such as lead and zinc; with moderate and severe head trauma in early childhood, as well as suffering from central nervous system (CNS) infections.
- Psychosocial risk factors
To date, there is no scientific evidence showing a direct relationship between diet and the development of ADHD , according to the Clinical Practice Guideline on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents. Some scientific studies have linked certain dietary patterns, such as consumption of processed foods and low consumption of fruits and vegetables, to ADHD symptoms, but these studies cannot be considered conclusive. It is also known that an unbalanced diet It can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients for cognitive and physical development such as iron, zinc, magnesium or omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to play an essential role in the etiology of ADHD.
Mindfulness to improve the symptoms of children and adolescents with ADHD
In 2017 , the first scientific work addressing the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and ADHD was carried out, led by Dr. José Ángel Alda, head of section in the Psychiatry Service of the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital Barcelona and María Izquierdo Pulido, professor of the faculty of pharmacy of the University of Barcelona , and published in the journal Pediatrics.
This study highlighted that the dietary patterns of the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a lower incidence of ADHD. The study involved 120 children and adolescents, 60 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD and 60 who served as a control group. During the follow-up period, it was found that children with ADHD consumed fast food, sweets, and sugary drinks more frequently than children without the disorder.
The study's findings suggested a role for certain poor eating habits in the development of ADHD, although it emphasized the need for further research to determine if a cause-and-effect relationship exists. In other words, it was necessary to ascertain whether children with ADHD experience more severe symptoms due to poor diet, or whether the disorder itself leads them to consume excessive amounts of fats and sugars due to high impulsivity that prevents them from making appropriate food choices.
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