Dietary Factors in ADHD

Many parents of children with ADHD wonder if there is anything they can do, in terms of their child’s diet and nutrition, to allay symptoms of ADHD. Although changes in diet are generally not, in themselves, sufficient for treating ADHD, researchers have identified several valid dietary changes that may be helpful for reducing hyperactivity and lack of concentration in Boston children who have ADHD. This includes avoiding artificial food dyes; supplementing zinc and magnesium intake; and adding Omega-3 supplementation, which may help boost attention and focus.

Artificial Dyes and ADHD

As early as the 1970s, a link between artificial dyes and preservatives and ADHD had been proposed. In later research in the late 2000s, research found evidence that in children with ADHD, certain food additives can exacerbate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although the evidence is inconclusive, it is perhaps wise to avoid artificial dyes in food for ADHD children in Boston. Although foregoing artificial dyes and preservatives will not cure ADHD, it may be a helpful adjunct in reducing symptoms.

Zinc and Magnesium for ADHD

In some studies, the populations studied were found to be mildly deficient in zinc or magnesium. Zinc is a micronutrient that plays a variety of roles in the human body, notably in the formation of many important enzymes, and in DNA and RNA processes. In the human brain, zinc can modulate brain excitability, playing a role in learning and associated neuron processes. Magnesium is another essential micronutrient; in the brain, it is a key component of some neurotransmitters. As with zinc, a few isolated studies have found mildly low magnesium levels in people with ADHD.

B Vitamins and ADHD

B vitamins are another supplement that may be somewhat helpful for people in Boston who have ADHD. B-complex vitamins are important in nervous system processes. Vitamin B6 is important for synthesizing neurotransmitters; in ADHD, as in many other psychological disorders, abnormalities in neurotransmission and neurotransmitter availability are an important physiological correlate. Although the evidence is largely anecdotal, B vitamins may be somewhat helpful for concentration and energy level regulation in people with ADHD in Boston.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and ADHD

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely available in capsules of fish oil, which is a substance rich in this class of lipids. Some research has indicated lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in people with ADHD, as well as some improvement of symptoms when omega-3 supplements are added to the diet. One omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is a major component of neuronal plasma membranes, and serious DHA deficiency is associated with cognitive decline.

Sugar and ADHD in Boston: Popular Misconceptions

It would seem that limiting sugar for ADHD children in Boston would make sense. However, scientific research has found that much of the supposed relationship between sugar and hyperactivity is largely imagined. In one study, parents who were told (falsely) that their children had consumed a large amount of refined sugar, reported increased hyperactivity, inattention, and resistance to parental demands; those who were told their children had not ingested sucrose did not report these effects. This strongly suggests that the idea that sugar (sucrose) makes children “hyper” is largely unfounded. Although excessive amounts of refined sucrose are not particularly healthy, and should be kept within reasonable limits, sugar does not actually exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.