Scientists have reported a link between ADHD and frequent consumption of ultraprocessed foods

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may consume ultra-processed foods more often. The researchers came to this conclusion after analyzing data from a national survey on children's health and nutrition. This was reported in the journal Nature.

The study included 1,135 children aged six to 11 years. 111 of them had previously been diagnosed with ADHD. The researchers studied their diets using a 24-hour nutrition survey, and then compared the data obtained with the number of ultra-processed foods on their daily menu.

The analysis showed that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to consume ultra-processed foods. On average, these foods were about 342 grams per day, or about 16.7% of the total weight of all food eaten. Statistical analysis showed that the probability of high consumption of such food in children with ADHD was about 1.6 times higher than in their peers without this diagnosis.

Ultra-processed foods are foods that have undergone intensive industrial processing and contain various additives, flavor enhancers, preservatives, and refined ingredients. This category includes, for example, sugary snacks, carbonated drinks, ready-made semi-finished products and some types of fast food.

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The researchers note that communication can be two-way. On the one hand, the behavioral features of ADHD — impulsivity or hypersensitivity to tastes — may encourage children to choose such food more often. On the other hand, the components of ultraprocessed foods, including sugar and dietary supplements, have the potential to enhance behavioral symptoms.

According to the authors, the findings highlight the importance of studying nutrition in ADHD. Taking into account the structure of the diet can become an additional direction in the prevention and support of children's health, especially against the background of the growing spread of both ultra-processed foods and the disorder itself.

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