Truths and Myths About ADHD

Mary Cook, MD, Medical Director of Behavioral Health at The Children’s Hospital, and Nancy Krebs, MD, Medical Director of the nutrition department at Children’s, discuss attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Question: I am a school nurse in Colorado Springs and have been asked if any special diet has been found helpful for children with ADHD. Do you know if this is the case?
Dr. Cook: Most stories about diets for ADHD are not based on sufficient scientific data. No strong link has been found, but we always recommend a nutritious, well balanced diet for children.

Question: Can certain nutritional deficiencies create attention problems?
Dr. Krebs: Iron is very important for proper functioning of neurotransmitters. Low iron intake has also been linked to sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome, which can keep a child from getting enough sleep and affect attention span.

Question: Can certain activities or exercises help minimize the symptoms of ADHD?
Dr. Cook: Many children with ADHD have difficulties developing proper social skills. Teaching them how to read social cues, share, take turns and not invade personal space will help them develop appropriate social behaviors and strengthen their relationships with peers.

Question: What is the most important thing for the parents of children with ADHD to know about the nutritional needs of their children?
Dr. Krebs: Before you eliminate any particular food from a child’s diet, contact a specialist who works with the condition and can oversee dietary strategies. The risk for nutrient deficiencies increases with too many restrictions, and supplements can cause nutrient imbalances with unexpected effects.

For more information about the nutritional needs of children, call The Children’s Hospital at (720) 777-1234.