ADHD and oligoantigenic diet – Feasibility, effectiveness and follow-up

 

Introduction The influence of food on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was described as early as the early 20th century. The elimination of certain foods via an “oligoantigenic diet” has shown an improvement in typical ADHD symptoms in several studies. The present study examines the relationship between individual food intolerance and ADHD symptoms and shows its effectiveness in the long time.

Methods 28 children and adolescents with ADHD participated in an uncontrolled, open study on the oligoantigenic diet. Before and after a four weeks diet with hypoallergenic foods. Besides the primary outcome: ADHD rating scale, the quality of life was studied using the Inventar zur Erfassung der Lebensqualität (ILK), the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL/4-18) was used to study effects of the diet on other abnormalities. 21 of the 28 participants could be reached for a follow up.

Results 17 children (13 m/3 f) of the 28 participants showed improvements of their ADHD symptomatology according to the primary outcome, with improvements of more then 40% change, so called responders, before and after diet. Of the 21 participants for the follow up, 3.5± 1 years after the diet, 14 were responders. Their ARS value was slightly lower then after diet, 10 of these 14 (70%) were still without medication.

Conclusion Following an oligoantigenic diet, the symptoms in food-sensitive children suffering from ADHD are reduced. If the nutritional recommendation is implemented over the long term, an improvement can also be seen in some children after 3.5 years. The CBCL scores also show improvements in other behavioral problems. The quality of life improves among the responders both in the external assessment of the parents and in the self-assessment, especially in the categories of friends and alone.

Publication History

Article published online:
08 November 2022

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