Nutrient Intake in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Neurology, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 5 - 13 |
| Updated: | 4/2/2016 |
Specific nutrient deficiencies have been described in children with ADHD including zinc,
magnesium, calcium, and essential fatty acids. In addition, children with ADHD have been
noted to behave and concentrate better in some studies when the ratio of protein compared
with carbohydrate in their diets was increased, however, this was anecdotal information
noted from studies designed to study other factors, so its not clear if the increased
protein is actually the cause of the improved behavior. In our clinical practice, we have
noted a high incidence of what appears to be carbohydrate "craving" among children with
ADHD, which can put children at risk for obesity, diabetes type II, and additional
dysregulation of mood and concentration. Carbohydrate craving is a well-documented
phenomenon in adults, particularly those with certain patterns of obesity, mood disorders,
or those undergoing smoking cessation programs. It has not been studied in children,
however. Thus, this initial study was designed to determine 1) whether or not children with
ADHD have different patterns of nutrient intake compared with children in the same family
and children in families without a child with ADHD, 2) if the described nutrient
deficiencies are due to decreased intake, and 3) whether there is an increased occurrence of
carbohydrate craving, based on parents' perceptions, eating patterns, and actual intake,
among children (or certain subgroups of children) with ADHD. The information gained from
this study will be used to design additional studies to test causative hypotheses and
intervention strategies.
magnesium, calcium, and essential fatty acids. In addition, children with ADHD have been
noted to behave and concentrate better in some studies when the ratio of protein compared
with carbohydrate in their diets was increased, however, this was anecdotal information
noted from studies designed to study other factors, so its not clear if the increased
protein is actually the cause of the improved behavior. In our clinical practice, we have
noted a high incidence of what appears to be carbohydrate "craving" among children with
ADHD, which can put children at risk for obesity, diabetes type II, and additional
dysregulation of mood and concentration. Carbohydrate craving is a well-documented
phenomenon in adults, particularly those with certain patterns of obesity, mood disorders,
or those undergoing smoking cessation programs. It has not been studied in children,
however. Thus, this initial study was designed to determine 1) whether or not children with
ADHD have different patterns of nutrient intake compared with children in the same family
and children in families without a child with ADHD, 2) if the described nutrient
deficiencies are due to decreased intake, and 3) whether there is an increased occurrence of
carbohydrate craving, based on parents' perceptions, eating patterns, and actual intake,
among children (or certain subgroups of children) with ADHD. The information gained from
this study will be used to design additional studies to test causative hypotheses and
intervention strategies.
Three day prospective diet records will be completed on 25 children aged 5-13 with ADHD,
their sibling controls, and 25 children from control families without ADHD in order to
assess their protein, carbohydrate, fat, calorie, and multiple specific nutrient intakes. In
addition, a questionnaire will be completed on each child describing several aspects of
eating behavior, food choices, and gastrointestinal, allergic, and infectious concomitants.
their sibling controls, and 25 children from control families without ADHD in order to
assess their protein, carbohydrate, fat, calorie, and multiple specific nutrient intakes. In
addition, a questionnaire will be completed on each child describing several aspects of
eating behavior, food choices, and gastrointestinal, allergic, and infectious concomitants.
Children with ADHD (combined or hyperactive-impulsive subtype) by Parent and Teacher
Rating Scales, history, and interview who do not have a medical or neurologic problem that
influences eating, who are not on medication for ADHD or another medication that may
influence eating, aged 5-13 years with a sibling in the same age range meeting the same
criteria but without ADHD. This sibling must have a normal Parent Rating Scale and not
have been held back in school or been on medication or diagnosed with a learning,
developmental, or neuropsychiatric disorder. Controls must meet the same criteria, and may
not have a first-degree relative with ADHD. All participants must have a normal intellect,
and may not have an autistic spectrum disorder or major depression.
We found this trial at
1
site
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Since its start in 1855 as the nation's first hospital devoted...
Click here to add this to my saved trials
