The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet has several components that might improve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) aimed to investigate the effect of the DASH diet on ADHD symptoms in children, for the first time.Methods Children (aged 6-12 years) with ADHD were randomized to receive a DASH or a control diet for 12 weeks. The severity of ADHD symptoms [determined by abbreviated 10-item Conner’s scale (ACS), 18-item Swanson, Nolan and Pelham (SNAP-IV) scale and strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ)], as well as dietary intakes, physical activity, and anthropometric measurements, were assessed every four weeks. The symptom scores provided by teachers, parents, and children were compared between the two groups, in multivariable-adjusted models.Results A total of 80 children completed the study. After adjustment for age, sex, energy intake, and baseline values significant group effects were observed for parent-reported ACS score, children-reported emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems, and parent-reported scores of prosocial behaviors based on the SDQ scale (Pgroup<0.05). Significant group*time effects were indicated in teacher-reported ACS score, teacher-reported Hyperactivity and impulsivity, and parent-reported combined score based on SNAP-IV, and teacher/child-reported scores for hyperactivity, parent and teacher-reported scores of emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior, and also teacher/parent/child-reported total SDQ score (Pgroup*time<0.05). The adjusted mean in teacher/parent-reported ACS scores, teacher/parent/child-reported hyperactivity, and total SDQ scores, teacher-reported emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behaviors assessed by the SDQ were significantly improved in the DASH compared to the control group (P<0.05).Conclusions Adherence to the DASH diet might beneficially improve ADHD symptoms. Further RCTs with more follow-up period which include participants from both sexes are needed to confirm these results.Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (registration code: IRCT20130223012571N6).
Source: European Journal of Nutrition
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3139313824