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Nutrition Can Be The Cause Of ADD/ADHD

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.
Chris D. Meletis and Jason Barker had authored a study called Mental Health: Not All in the Mind—Really a Matter of Cellular Biochemistry.
A study done by D.W. Schab. Schab and his colleagues have concluded that children’s behavior improved when AFC’s was no longer in their diet. This study entitled ‘Artificial Food Coloring Promotes Hyperactivity’ was published in The 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
These are just some of the studies from many that may have not been published or made known. Nonetheless, all have found that food additives, fatty acids, vitamin and mineral deficiencies or rather nutritional factors are very much related to ADD/ADHD. Subjects of these studies have either participate in elimination diets, nutritional supplementation, behavioral observations and self-reporting. Due to the nature of most of these researches funding, these studies are more likely conducted on young children and adolescents. There have been keen interests in young children as they are much more likely diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. There are also studies conducted on adults.
Institutions that have contributed to this body of knowledge are Harvard University, Cornell University, Cornell Medical Center, Oxford University, etc. Therefore, the credibility are baked by their renowned reputation.
Each study found significant improvement in the behavior of the participants once the nutritional deficiency or removal of the food or food additive causing the sensitivity, allergy, or toxic reaction had taken place. In addition to improved behavior and a reduction in what had been previously witnessed as poor attention ability and concentration, many participants were found to have increased in reading ability, motor coordination, and IQ. These improvements were probably due to the ability of the individuals 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.

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