Medical Health Encyclopedia

Dietary Factors

Infant malnutrition is a strong risk factor of ADHD. Even if children receive enough food later on, infants who suffer from malnutrition may develop behavior problems, the most prevalent being attention-deficit disorder.

A number of dietary factors have been researched in assocation with ADHD, including sensitivities to certain food chemicals, deficiencies in fatty acids and zinc, and sensitivity to sugar. No clear evidence has emerged that implicates any of these nutritional factors in ADHD.

Deficiencies in Zinc and Essential Fatty Acids. Some studies have found an association between deficiencies in certain fatty acids (compounds that make up fats and oils) and ADHD. Other research reports an association between zinc deficiencies and ADHD. Zinc aids in the breakdown of fatty acids, which affects dopamine, the neurotransmitter likely to be involved with ADHD.

Text Continues Below

---