Harvard says: no link between ADHD and food…Spreen says: don’t believe it

Flawed and inconsistent.

That’s how a Harvard team describes most of the research that has examined the role that diet and nutrition play in ADHD.

But in the June 2009 issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter the researchers do give high marks to one study from the UK that meticulously revealed how some artificial colorings and additives play a role in hyperactivity.

In fact, the Harvard team offers this suggestion: “Parents could try eliminating the major sources of artificial colors and additives – candy, junk food, brightly-colored cereals, fruit drinks, and soda – from their child’s diet for a few weeks, to see if symptoms improve.”

That excellent advice happens to parallel the advice given by HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., in the e-Alert “How to Dismantle an ’89 Ford” (6/3/02).

Dr. Spreen’s list, however, includes other important “offenders”: “Food allergies are chemical sensitivities, and they must be ruled out first. This starts by cutting out the historic offenders – milk (or other dairy), wheat, corn, soy, peanut, and adding to the list anything (ANYTHING) that the child craves (or just insists on eating everyday).”

For Dr. Spreen, there’s no question about whether poor diet and nutrition may prompt hyperactivity in children. He’s seen firsthand the results of removing trigger foods from kids’ diets.

If you have a hyperactive child or grandchild at home (or if you know someone who does), you’ll find Dr. Spreen’s advice in “How to Dismantle an ’89 Ford” to be practical and quite detailed.

You might also be interested in research that shows how the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help reduce hyperactivity. That study is detailed in the e-Alert “Oil Change” (5/2/07).
Source:
“Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” Harvard Mental Health Letter, June 2009, health.harvard.edu