Does diet matter for kids with ADHD? Depends.

With the recent shortages of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) drugs, the role that diet can play is a hot topic. It's also highly controversial -- nearly as much so as the role of vaccinations on autism -- with many parents firmly entrenched in the "diet matters" camp and others convinced what those with ADHD eat makes no difference.

Just in time to feed the debate, a new scientific review concludes that most elimination diets probably will not control ADHD symptoms, while a well-balanced diet makes a difference and omega-3 fatty acids supplements may help in some. Researchers from Children's Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University in Chicago reviewed 70 previous studies evaluating dietary role in ADHD management, including those done on sugar restriction; the Feingold diet, which focuses on eliminating additives, dyes and preservatives; those done on avoiding foods that trigger food allergies; and supplementing with fatty acids found in fish oil capsules. Unfortunately it didn't compare the efficacy of diets to medications prescribed for ADHD. 

Don't try

The researchers found little evidence the Feingold diet works nor any evidence that reducing sugar intake will help. In fact, though many parents might disagree, studies have not proven that sugar or artificial sweeteners make a child hyperactive. 

Worth a shot

Elimination or "hypoallergenic" diets may reduce symptoms, according to some studies. In these eating plans, patients eliminate some common allergy-inducing foods such as chocolates, nuts, eggs, and diary, citrus and wheat products, and include hypoallergenic foods, such as lamb, carrots, pears, tapioca and potatoes, to their diet.  But the researchers acknowledged that a hypoallergenic diet might be difficult for some to implement.

An easier fix: Giving your ADHD child omega-3 fatty acids supplements. Often in the form of fish oil capsules, these supplements made for children also come in flavored oils, fruit chews and powder mixes to add to juice. Children with ADHD who take these supplements show increased attention and get better grades, report some studies. Unfortunately, the verdict on these supplements isn't definitive. "With parents opposed to medication, omega-3 supplements may warrant a trial," wrote the authors in the review published Jan. 9 online issue of Pediatrics. "Supplemental diet therapy is simple, relatively inexpensive, and more acceptable to patient and parent."  

Definitely cook this up

Hands down, a healthy, well-rounded diet rich in folate, fiber and omega-3s from fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains did the best among dietary changes at helping children with ADHD. On the opposite end, one Australian study found kids who typically eat a Western-style diet high in fat, salt, and refined sugars and low in nutritional value, were significantly more likely to have ADHD than kids who ate the healthy diet.

As with any medical research, talk to your child's pediatrician or doctor to find out what changes to their diet might work for your child.