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Does Diet Really Influence ADHD?
« Omega-3s improve ADHD symptoms » → TRUE
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as oily fish, walnuts, flax and chia seeds support brain function and may improve attention and emotional regulation. Two meta-analyses provide evidence that omega-3 supplementation improves clinical symptoms and cognitive performance in children and adolescents with ADHD. Interestingly, blood levels of omega-3s are reduced in children with ADHD. Current research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can be used as a potential complement to therapies. However, it is unclear whether omega-3 supplementation should be limited to those with below-normal blood levels.
« An iron, zinc, or magnesium deficiency worsens ADHD symptoms » → POSSIBLY TRUE
These nutrients play a role in dopamine regulation; a deficiency can exacerbate inattention or impulsivity. Iron deficiency can disrupt neurotransmitter homeostasis, decrease myelin production, impair synaptogenesis, and alter the function of the basal ganglia. Children under 7 years of age are a vulnerable group for iron deficiency, which is a common comorbidity of ADHD. Zinc, iron, and magnesium supplementation may reduce ADHD symptoms in children with or at high risk of deficiencies in these minerals. However, convincing evidence to support this is lacking.
Conclusion
Several avenues could be explored in the coming years regarding the link between ADHD and diet. For example, a small study found that a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet could improve ADHD symptoms.
Diet cannot cure ADHD, but it can have an impact. More research is needed to confirm the relationship between ADHD and diet. Overall, balanced food choices can contribute to the overall well-being of children and adults living with ADHD. A possible side effect of ADHD medication is decreased appetite, which, in children, can lead to weight loss or failure to thrive. If you have questions or concerns about your diet or your child’s diet, a registered dietitian can provide support and help you optimize it.
Sources
Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada [Accessed October 18, 2025] https://caddac.ca/
Farsad-Naeimi A, Asjodi F, Omidian M, Askari M, et al. Sugar consumption, sugar sweetened beverages and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Sep;53:102512. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102512. Epub 2020 Aug 16. PMID: 33066852.
Nigg JT, Lewis K, Edinger T, Falk M. Meta-analysis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, restriction diet, and synthetic food color additives. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012 Jan;51(1):86-97.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2011.10.015. PMID: 22176942; PMCID: PMC4321798.
Hawkey E, Nigg JT. Omega-3 fatty acid and ADHD: blood level analysis and meta-analytic extension of supplementation trials. Clin Psychol Rev. 2014 Aug;34(6):496-505. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2014.05.005. Epub 2014 Jun 2. PMID: 25181335; PMCID: PMC4321799.
Chang JP, Su KP, Mondelli V, Pariante CM. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018 Feb;43(3):534-545. doi: 10.1038/npp.2017.160. Epub 2017 Jul 25. PMID: 28741625; PMCID: PMC5669464.
Pivina L, Semenova Y, Doşa MD, Dauletyarova M, Bjørklund G. Iron Deficiency, Cognitive Functions, and Neurobehavioral Disorders in Children. J Mol Neurosci. 2019 May;68(1):1-10. doi: 10.1007/s12031-019-01276-1. Epub 2019 Feb 18. PMID: 30778834.
Lange KW, Hauser J, Lange KM, Makulska-Gertruda E, Nakamura Y, Reissmann A, Sakaue Y, Takano T, Takeuchi Y. The Role of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of ADHD: What the Evidence Says. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Feb;19(2):8. doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0762-1. PMID: 28168597.
Khoshbakht Y, Moghtaderi F, Bidaki R, Hosseinzadeh M, Salehi-Abargouei A. The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Eur J Nutr. 2021 Oct;60(7):3647-3658. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02527-x. Epub 2021 Mar 14. PMID: 33715085.
Author
A University of Montreal graduate and holding a Master's Degree in Medical Research from Griffith University in Australia, Tracy is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ). She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS. With more than 15 years of experience, she likes to share her knowledge about food in a simple and illustrated way in order to support you in achieving your health goals. Her approach combines the pleasure of eating, intuitive eating and mindfulness. Tracy specializes in adapted nutrition for chronic diseases, weight loss, gastrointestinal health, vegetarianism and veganism.
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