The Link Between ADD/ADHD And Nutrition

Since the late 1970’s the suspected connection between ADD/ADHD and nutrition has been explored by researchers. To date, there are so many reputable studies that indicate that there is a connection, that the influence of nutrition on ADD/ADHD can no longer be ignored. Yet, even with all of the information that is available, the connection continues to be misunderstood by nutritionists, medical professionals, and individuals who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.
The Studies
There have been literally thousands of studies that have investigated the connection between nutrition and ADD/ADHD. A majority of these studies have been conducted by reputable learning institutions and medical facilities. Many of these experts have found a definitive connection between nutrition and ADD/ADHD and this connection has been documented in numerous published studies. Information on only a few of these studies follows.
The remarkable role of nutrition in learning and behavior. This study, authored by Jennifer Dani, Courtney Burrill, and Barbara Demmig-Adams found that:
Among the findings of this study which focuses on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are the important roles nutrients such as protein, iron and iodine plays in a child’s learning capabilities. Consumption of breakfast too plays a significant role. More recent studies has confirmed this as well as revealing that other micronutrients such as essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins too can help prevent learning or other behavioral disorders.
Mental Health: Not All in the Mind—Really a Matter of Cellular Biochemistry, by Chris D. Meletis and Jason Barker.
Findings of a study call ‘Artificial Food Coloring Promotes Hyperactivity’ found that “children’s behavior did improve significantly when AFCs (artificial food colorings) were eliminated from their diet.” This study was then published in Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
A child’s diet can lead to behavioral disorders. This is a finding from a study conducted by C M Carter, M Urbanowicz, R Hemsley, L Mantilla, S Strobel, P J Graham, and E Taylor titled ‘Effects of a few food diet in attention deficit disorder’. Conditions of 76% of children implementing elimination diet later improved.
More studies have further justified the huge role foods and additives play in forming attention deficit hyperactive disorder in children. M. Boris and F.S. Mandel, in their study found that “a beneficial effect of eliminating reactive foods and artificial colors in children with ADHD. Dietary factors may play a significant role in the etiology of the majority of children with ADHD.”
The Results
The few researches covered here are just a friction of all researches that have been conducted in the quest to prove the impact of nutritional factors on ADD/ADHD. These nutritional factors could be food additives, fatty acids, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Subjects have participated in elimination diets; nutritional supplementation, behavioral observations and self-reporting in the course of these studies and most studies were also more focus towards young children as subjects. There are also a number of studies done on adolescence and adults.
These studies took place at a variety of reputable institutions such as Harvard University, Cornell University, Cornell Medical Center, Oxford University, etc., and are therefore backed by the reputations of these facilities.
Common findings of these studies shows significant improvements in the behavior once food or food additive causing the sensitivity, allergy, or toxic reaction or nutritional deficiencies were removed from subject’s diet. Poor attention ability and concentration among subjects have also subside as they develop reading ability, motor coordination, and IQ which may be linked to the subject’s ability to focus and stay on task.
What is the conclusion then?
It’s impossible to ignore the extensive studies, clinical trials, and personal stories that attest to the fact that, once dietary deficiencies were corrected, the symptoms of ADD/ADHD either improved or disappeared altogether. Even if more research is needed to convince the medical community that, without a doubt, it’s worthwhile to insist that non-medicinal interventions be used to treat ADD/ADHD, the evidence is overwhelming enough to indicate that individuals themselves should take the steps necessary to educate themselves and explore the possibilities of a life without medication.

Jimmy Brownen is a leading expert in the field of ADD/ADHD and has years of experience in the treatment of it. For more information on the disorder or for alternative means of curing ADHD, please visit his site.

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