ADHD is associated with a ‘western dietary pattern’ in adolescents

Posted on 15th November 2010 in Natural health for children

It will be surprising for some but not for others that a recent study, published by the Journal of Attention Disorders, shows an association – in adolescents – between ADHD and the consumption of ‘Western style’ diets.

Here are the findings:

Results: Data were available for 1,799 adolescents, and a total of 115 adolescents had an ADHD diagnosis. Two major dietary patterns were identified: “Western” and “Healthy.” A higher score for the Western dietary pattern was associated with ADHD diagnosis (odds ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.18, 4.13) after adjusting for known confounding factors from pregnancy to 14 years. ADHD diagnosis was not associated with the “Healthy” dietary pattern.
Conclusion: A Western-style diet may be associated with ADHD.

So, once again a big thumbs up for the raw, wholegrain, wholesome diet – just like our grandparents.

You can read details of the study here:

<http://jad.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/07/12/1087054710365990.short>