Children's Diet Not The Main Cause Of ADHD
May 30, 2008
Food may not be the major cause of hyperactivity in children. Genetics, brain
function and parental actions such as smoking may be just as important.
A review of scientific evidence found only a minority of children were actually
affected by what they eat. A combination of food, genetics and environmental
toxins are more likely to be involved, with no single factor to blame.
Foods which might affect behaviour, in particular table sugar were studied. No
adverse effects were seen in children who had a sugary drink versus a drink with
artificial sweetener. Parents often believe their children's diet is making them
hyperactive and think changes in the food provided is the answer to the problem.
However changing your child's diet is not likely to settle their over active
behaviour.
ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) has a strong genetic link, with
half the children born of parents with diagnosed ADHD likely to develop the
disorder themselves. Chemical imbalances in the brain are also involved and
studies have found that children with the condition have on average 4% smaller
brains. Genes may interact with environmental toxins such as alcohol in the
womb, lead, and parental smoking to cause later problems with attention span.
Professor David Benton, who specialises in eating behaviour and who carried out
the study said 'Parents say after an hour of eating sugary foods that their
child is distracted and fidgety, but studies show that this is more what the
mother expects to see and not what's really going on'. He added 'the origin of
the idea that sugar is responsible for hyperactivity seems to be purely based on
the fact that sugar is a source of energy, as are other carbohydrates. Foods
like wheat and dairy can often cause food intolerance in children, but this is a
completely different reaction of the immune system.'
This review which was carried out at the University of Wales, Swansea is
published in the May issue of the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science
and Nutrition. It comes at a time when the Food Standards Agency is looking at
other causes of hyperactivity in children with a call to remove certain
additives in foods.
Up to 9% of children in the U.K. have been diagnosed with ADHD. Problems are
usually seen at around 4 years of age when the child may become easily
distracted, fidgety, and impulsive over a long period of time.
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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Source: David Benton
The
Sugar Bureau
Medical News Today: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
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