The inconclusive nature of the results of many studies related to this question has led many to dismiss the connection between ADHD and food additives.  But recently the issue is being looked at again by the medical community.  In 2008 Pediatrics professor Andrew Kemp of the University of Sydney called for the removal of food additives as standard treatment for kids with ADHD.   He explains that of the 22 studies performed between 1975 and 1994 sixteen found that dietary modifications had a positive impact on children with ADHD.  He claims that eliminating food additives is a relatively harmless intervention and in light of the large number of kids on drugs for hyperactivity it would be wise to institute it as standard procedure for treatment for ADHD.  He cites a recent study that shows an increased hyperactivity in children without ADHD who were fed foods high in food colorings and sodium benzoate to support his claim.  In February of 2008 the editors of the American Academy of Pediatrics publication AAP Grand Rounds cited the same study as Kemp and stated “the overall findings of the study are clear and require that even we skeptics, who have long doubted parental claims of the effects of various foods on the behavior of their children, admit we might have been wrong.”

 The European Union has agreed to place warning labels on foods containing six artificial colors that appeared in the The Lancet study which are: Yellow no. 5 Tartrazine, yellow no. 10 quinoline yellow ( not approved in the U.S.), Yellow no. 6 sunset yellow, red no. 3 carmoisine ( not approved in the U.S)., Red no. 7 ponceau 4R ( not approved in the U.S.), and red no. 40 allura red.  Sodium Bezoate is a food preservative that can be found in fruit juices, carbonated beverages, and pickles. 

 While the U.S. is lagging behind the European Union in terms of enacting laws requiring warning labels,Marylandis poised to become the first state to do so.  Two bills have been introduced into theMarylandStatelegislature and are awaiting confirmation.  Hopefully by 2012 the following warning will appear on foods containing certain food dyes:

“The color additives in this food may cause hyperactivity and behavior problems in some children.”

 References

Boyles, Salynn “Experts Revisit Food Additives and ADHD” WebMD.com. 24 Jan, 2011. www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20080522/experts-revisit-food-additives-adhd

 Gardner, Amanda. “9 Food Additives That may Affect ADHD” msn.com. 24 Jan. 2011. health.msn.com/health-topics/adhd/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100268324

Shapley, Dan. “State May Ban Food Additives Linked to ADHD”

The Daily Green.com. 24 Jan 2011. www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/food-colorings-47020907

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A good first step is to find out if your child with ADD is allergic or sensitive to any foods. While you can use blood tests and skin testing to determine this, you can also use an elimination diet to pinpoint trouble spots in the diet. There are a number of ways to do an elimination diet. One simple one is to begin by eliminating all foods with additives, dairy products, fruit juice, artificial sweeteners, processed meat, wheat, chocolate, and sugar. For two weeks, your child’s diet should consist of vegetables, fruit, and meat. After two weeks, try adding back one food at a time. If there is a reaction that you notice in terms of behavior, rashes, runny nose, it may indicate a problem with this food. Stop the food immediately, wait a couple of days, and add another food.

Once you find out what not to eat, you can look at what to eat. Researchers have found that diets high in protein are excellent for children with ADD. A general rule is to serve 70 percent protein and 30 percent carbohydrates for breakfast. Stick to about 50 percent protein and 50 percent carbohydrates for the other meals.

Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary essentials for everyone, but are especially important for children with ADD, as they are critical in brain function and development. Dr. Alexandra J. Richardson, in an article in Psychiatry says, “Increasing evidence suggests that a relative lack of omega-3 may -contribute to many psychiatric and neuro-developmental disorders.” Eating more flaxseed, sardines, and walnuts can help increase Omega-3 in the diet. You might also want to consider supplements of Omega-3.

Other tips for using an ADHD diet include things that are good advice for anyone’s diet. Drinking lots of water is important, as water acts as a purifier in the body. Additionally, eating lots of vegetables and fruit provides necessary vitamins and minerals.

To end with another substance to avoid, many doctors agree that it is best to avoid food additives. Children with ADHD often are very sensitive, and these chemical substances may contribute to distractibility and activity.

Mom’s Take:

Until I kept a food diary and wrote down what my daughter with ADD was actually eating, I didn’t realize how little protein she was getting. She disliked many foods, and she was filling up on a lot of carbohydrates. Since she doesn’t like meat or cheese very much, we decided to use a protein supplement. I make her a milk shake with protein powder every morning. She drinks that along with her scrambled eggs. I’ve noticed an improvement in her ability to get ready and get out to the bus in the morning.

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