Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)1 is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in children, affecting 2 to 5% of children globally, with boys being three times more likely to be diagnosedthan girls.2 ADHD remains under-recognised and under-diagnosed in many countries, particularly among females, who are more likely to be diagnosed into adulthood.3
In this blog we explore the development of ADHD in children and how nutrition and lifestyle factors can help improve symptoms.
10-15% of UK children exhibit patterns of poor attention and delayed information processing, consistent with ADHD, ADD, Autism & dyslexia.8
Early childhood is a crucial time when the brain is highly receptive to environmental stimuli. During these formative years, sensory experiences help shape the neural connections that lay the foundation for lifelong cognitive, emotional, and social development.4 But what happens when that development is disrupted?
The early years of life involve a dynamic interaction between genetics and experience. The timing and quality of these experiences such as consistent caregiving or exposure to trauma and stress can significantly influence brain architecture, either strengthening or weakening neural pathways. When these developmental processes are altered, the effects can be profound and far-reaching.5 
One condition where these early developmental disruptions are evident is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition that often emerges in early childhood. ADHD is characterized by three core symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.6 Children with ADHD often show differences in how their brains respond to sensory input, influencing attention, regulation, impulse control and emotional responses - core aspects of development that occur during early childhood.7
10-15% of UK children exhibit patterns of poor attention and delayed information processing, consistent with ADHD, ADD, Autism & dyslexia.8 Whilst there are far-reaching positive attributes such as hyperfocus, cognitive flexibility and sensory processing,9 ADHD presents daily challenges for children at school and on into adulthood including boredom, restlessness and difficulty with social interactions.
ADHD is linked to a higher risk of other mental health conditions and negative life outcomes such as academic underachievement, difficulties in the workplace and troubled relationships.10 However, early recognition and management of ADHD starting in childhood can significantly improve long-term outcomes e.g. school-based interventions, and training teaching staff appropriately to adapt the conditions of the learning environment.11
What’s Driving the Rise in ADHD?
Nutritional Status
- Children with ADHD are often found to have deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and magnesium,21 critical for neurodevelopment, myelination and the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can interact abnormally in the ADHD brain, with low dopamine strongly associated with ADHD.22,23 GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and, like serotonin, is involved in mood regulation, learning and memory processes.24
- Suboptimal vitamin B6, B12 and folate, common in ADHD, are essential to help produce those important neurotransmitters and promote effective development of the central nervous system. The basal ganglia, which plays a pivotal role in ADHD, may be particularly vulnerable to vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.26 Without adequate B vitamins, the methylation cycle slows down or stalls, reducing SAMe availability and impairing neurotransmitter synthesis, gene regulation, and detoxification; key processes linked to ADHD.27
- The typical Western diet, high in refined sugars, processed meats and sugary drinks can exacerbate the risk and severity of ADHD, and reducing or eliminating these foods may result in improvements.28
- Gut dysbiosis can affect neurotransmitters, inflammatory pathways and immune system activation, and it may lead to impaired absorption of essential nutrients from gut permeability, negatively impacting brain function and adding to symptoms.30 Short chain fatty acids, especially acetate, butyrate and propionate that are made in the colon by fermentation of dietary fibres and resistant starch, are sometimes at low levels in children and adults with ADHD.31 They exert wide benefits across different systems usually in a ratio of 3:1:1, with butyrate the most important SCFA for healthy metabolism32. They also communicate with the brain and nervous system by ‘microbiota-gut-brain crosstalk’ which in turn affects behavioural and cognitive function.33
Environment and lifestyle
- Environmental factors during childhood can influence the development, severity, and persistence of ADHD, e.g. prenatal smoking, drugs, alcohol or trauma during pregnancy/birth, potentially affecting foetal brain development and laying the groundwork for ADHD later on.14
- Everyday exposure to toxins remains a concern. Heavy metals, pesticides, and air pollution can increase inflammation in the brain and lead to more oxidative stress. Lead and mercury are among the most studied environmental toxins in ADHD research, with childhood lead exposure specifically linked to increased ADHD diagnoses.15 Alongside cadmium and mercury, these metals can damage neural systems affecting attention and impulse control, adding more oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain.16
- Children who grow up in ‘household chaos’ with excessive noise, lack of routine or instability are more likely to experience adverse outcomes,17 and modern habits like excessive screen time or lack of ‘play’ are under scrutiny.
- Spending more than two hours per day in front of digital devices can increase the likelihood of ADHD20 especially among younger children.18 Research shows that screen time can impair attention and self-regulation, and may exacerbate atypical brain function when subjected to regular screentime from age 2-5 yrs old.19,20 24 In modern living the use of screens and technology is unavoidable but if used thoughtfully, it can help manage the daily challenges of ADHD.
Genetics
- ADHD tends to run in families and research shows that 74–80% of the risk is linked to genetics.12 The condition is influenced by polymorphisms in multiple genes including the DRD4 and DRD5 genes, which are responsible for dopamine signaling efficiency. SNPs on these genes can impair attention, impulse control and learning/memory. The ADRA2A gene helps regulate norepinephrine release in the prefrontal cortex and when dysregulated, it can impact memory and attention. Similarly, SLC6A2 regulates norepinephrine reuptake, which affects attention, mood, and reward.13
Strategies to support our ADHD children
- Eating a largely based Mediterranean Diet which emphasises vegetables, fruits and fish, rich in micronutrients, PUFAs and phytochemicals has shown promising results.29 Offering children a nourishing, gut-supporting diet with fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, along with fermented foods like yogurt or kefir for friendly bacteria is good practice. Smoothies and soups are a great way to maximise vegetable intake, and avoiding sugary drinks and processed foods in favour of more natural options like oily fish, eggs and regular protein, can offer better support for brain function, memory, focus, and mood regulation.44 Nuts, seeds and other healthy fats are an essential part of everyday meals and brown rice, oats and quinoa can be used instead of their white alternatives, offering steady energy and blood sugar balance throughout the day.
- Children with ADHD can find it harder to adhere to healthy eating and often fall victim to cravings and high-sugar foods.29 Check out our article on how to support healthy eating habits for children who have issues with food: Children's Health: Funny About Foods
- Encouraging traditional play with children among their peers, parents/carers can positively enhance the function of the brain. Being away from screens and the distractions of household chaos allows children to reset, recharge, and engage in active play that supports their emotional and cognitive development.24
- Encouraging time outdoors in nature in a calming environment can also reduce stress and improve focus.
- When screentime is inevitable, educational apps, such as Lumosity Kids, EndeavorRx, or Khan Academy Kids can reinforce learning,23 and build focus, memory and executive function.34 Headspace Kids and Smiling Mind encourage mindfulness and help children learn how to be more present, which can improve emotional regulation and attention.25–32
- Simple reminders to get children talking and being engaged in conversation raises oxytocin levels (the bonding hormone), whereas continual texting and scrolling, especially on mobile phones can increase cortisol.35 When this occurs during evening/bedtime, poor sleep can result, which is a known trigger for increased hyperactivity and inattention placing more burden on the ADHD brain.
Children's Health: Funny About Foods
Children can be incredibly fussy eaters. It doesn’t take long for children to develop their own minds, shaping their likes, dislikes and opinions. With that being said, is it any wonder that parents can start to face daily battles to feed their children? Refusing to eat their greens, only eating brand specific foods and texture sensitivity are only to name a few of the issues children can present to their parents...
Powerful nutrients that can support children with ADHD
- L-glutamine - the most abundant amino acid in the body, plays a crucial role in gut health, strengthening the intestinal lining and supporting immune cells.36 Low glutamine is implicated in ADHD, and supplementation may improve gut health, thus indirectly improving brain function and neurochemical balance.37 This can be found in poultry, red meats, fish and wholegrains.
- Particular strains of live bacteria like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium longum have been shown to improve nervous system symptoms such as depression and anxiety which can manifest with ADHD,38 and they can also support GABA production, relaxation and stress reduction.39
- Omega-3 fatty acids are important to include as they’ve been shown to reduce hyperactivity in ASD, especially in children with low levels.45,46 Crucial for brain health, they can contribute to improved memory, learning and cognitive function.40,41 Good food sources include eggs, mackerel, salmon, flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
- B vitamins, especially B6 helps to synthesise neurotransmitters and reduce emotional symptoms like irritability and depression. Zinc can also act on mood42 and together with magnesium they can all work in synergy to help with social interaction, language skills and overall brain health,42,43 - beneficial for children managing their ADHD.
With the right support, understanding, and nutrition, ADHD children can thrive — not just in spite of their differences, but because of them.
Support is important
It's why we care about giving free expert nutritional advice to everyone.
Speak to one of our Nutrition experts for free nutritional advice and to help find the perfect product for you.
Give them a call on 0121 433 8702 or email clinicalnutrition@biocare.co.uk
(Phone lines are open 9 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri).
References
1. Cardon GJ. Neural Correlates of Sensory Abnormalities Across Developmental Disabilities. Int Rev Res Dev Disabil. 2018;55:83. doi:10.1016/BS.IRRDD.2018.08.001
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Accessed June 6, 2025. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
3. Sayal K, Prasad V, Daley D, Ford T, Coghill D. ADHD in children and young people: prevalence, care pathways, and service provision. Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(2):175-186. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30167-0
4. Brain Development and the Role of Experience in the Early Years - PubMed. Accessed June 6, 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23894221/
5. Bick J, Nelson CA. Early experience and brain development. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci. 2016;8(1-2):10.1002/wcs.1387. doi:10.1002/WCS.1387
6. Nordby ES, Guribye F, Nordgreen T, Lundervold AJ. Silver linings of ADHD: a thematic analysis of adults’ positive experiences with living with ADHD. BMJ Open. 2023;13(10):e072052. doi:10.1136/BMJOPEN-2023-072052
7. Shimizu VT, Bueno OFA, Miranda MC. Sensory processing abilities of children with ADHD. Braz J Phys Ther. 2014;18(4):343-352. doi:10.1590/BJPT-RBF.2014.0043,
8. ADHD should not be treated as a disorder. Accessed June 6, 2025. https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/10/30/adhd-should-not-be-treated-as-a-disorder
9. Schippers LM, Greven CU, Hoogman M. Associations between ADHD traits and self-reported strengths in the general population. Compr Psychiatry. 2024;130:152461. doi:10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2024.152461
10. Fuermaier ABM, Tucha L, Butzbach M, Weisbrod M, Aschenbrenner S, Tucha O. ADHD at the workplace: ADHD symptoms, diagnostic status, and work-related functioning. J Neural Transm. 2021;128(7):1021-1031. doi:10.1007/S00702-021-02309-Z,
11. Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S. ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents. Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315. doi:10.1055/S-0040-1701658
12. Faraone S V., Larsson H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2019;24(4):562-575. doi:10.1038/S41380-018-0070-0,
13. Gizer IR, Ficks C, Waldman ID. Candidate gene studies of ADHD: A meta-analytic review. Hum Genet. 2009;126(1):51-90. doi:10.1007/S00439-009-0694-X,
14. Garrison-Desany HM, Hong X, Maher BS, et al. Individual and Combined Association Between Prenatal Polysubstance Exposure and Childhood Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(3):e221957. doi:10.1001/JAMANETWORKOPEN.2022.1957
15. Ahmad S, K G N, Mani Babu A, Ranjan R, Kumar P. Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2024;16(10). doi:10.7759/CUREUS.71527
16. Dimitrov L V., Kaminski JW, Holbrook JR, et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Chemical Exposures and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. Prev Sci. 2023;25(Suppl 2):225. doi:10.1007/S11121-023-01601-6
17. Agnew-Blais JC, Wertz J, Arseneault L, et al. Mother’s and children’s ADHD genetic risk, household chaos and children’s ADHD symptoms: A gene–environment correlation study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2022;63(10):1153-1163. doi:10.1111/JCPP.13659;REQUESTEDJOURNAL:JOURNAL:14697610;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
18. Liu H, Chen X, Huang M, et al. Screen time and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis. Rev Environ Health. 2023;39(4). doi:10.1515/REVEH-2022-0262,
19. Sugaya N, Shirasaka T, Takahashi K, Kanda H. Bio-psychosocial factors of children and adolescents with internet gaming disorder: A systematic review. Biopsychosoc Med. 2019;13(1):1-16. doi:10.1186/S13030-019-0144-5/TABLES/4
20. Liu H, Chen X, Huang M, et al. Screen time and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis. Rev Environ Health. 2023;39(4). doi:10.1515/REVEH-2022-0262,
21. Demircan K, Chillon TS, Jensen RC, et al. Maternal selenium deficiency during pregnancy in association with autism and ADHD traits in children: The Odense Child Cohort. Free Radic Biol Med. 2024;220:324-332. doi:10.1016/J.FREERADBIOMED.2024.05.001
22. Rucklidge JJ, Eggleston MJF, Johnstone JM, Darling K, Frampton CM. Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2017;59(3):232. doi:10.1111/JCPP.12817
23. Blum K, Chen ALC, Braverman ER, et al. Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and reward deficiency syndrome. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008;4(5):893. doi:10.2147/NDT.S2627
24. tınok A Al, Karabay A, Jong J de, Balta G, Akyürek EG. Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid on working memory and attention: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2023;37(6):554. doi:10.1177/02698811231161579
25. Razavinia F, Ebrahimiyan A, Faal Siahkal S, Ghazinezhad N, Abedi P. Vitamins B9 and B12 in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research 2024, 94(5-6), 476-484. 2024;94(5-6):476-484. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/A000809
26. Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients 2016, Vol 8, Page 68. 2016;8(2):68. doi:10.3390/NU8020068
27. Pei-Chen Chang J. Personalised medicine in child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Focus on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and ADHD. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2021;16. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34589802/
28. Howard AL, Robinson M, Smith GJ, Ambrosini GL, Piek JP, Oddy WH. ADHD is associated with a “Western” dietary pattern in adolescents. J Atten Disord. 2011;15(5):403-411. doi:10.1177/1087054710365990,
29. Pinto S, Correia-de-Sá T, Sampaio-Maia B, Vasconcelos C, Moreira P, Ferreira-Gomes J. Eating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2022;14(20). doi:10.3390/NU14204332
30. Bozzola E, Spina G, Ruggiero M, et al. Media devices in pre-school children: The recommendations of the Italian pediatric society. Ital J Pediatr. 2018;44(1):1-5. doi:10.1186/S13052-018-0508-7/METRICS
31. Seltzer LJ, Prososki AR, Ziegler TE, Pollak SD. Instant messages vs. speech: hormones and why we still need to hear each other. Evol Hum Behav. 2012;33(1):42. doi:10.1016/J.EVOLHUMBEHAV.2011.05.004
32. Lee SY, Li SC, Yang CY, Kuo HC, Chou WJ, Wang LJ. Gut Leakage Markers and Cognitive Functions in Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children. 2023;10(3):513. doi:10.3390/CHILDREN10030513
33. Den Besten G, Van Eunen K, Groen AK, Venema K, Reijngoud DJ, Bakker BM. The role of short-chain fatty acids in the interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host energy metabolism. J Lipid Res. 2013;54(9):2325. doi:10.1194/JLR.R036012
34. Taş E, Ülgen KO. Understanding the ADHD-Gut Axis by Metabolic Network Analysis. Metabolites. 2023;13(5):592. doi:10.3390/METABO13050592/S1
35. Cickovski T, Mathee K, Aguirre G, et al. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the gut microbiome: An ecological perspective. PLoS One. 2023;18(8):e0273890. doi:10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0273890
36. Ma W, Heianza Y, Huang T, et al. Dietary glutamine, glutamate and mortality: two large prospective studies in US men and women. Int J Epidemiol. 2017;47(1):311. doi:10.1093/IJE/DYX234
37. Vidor MV, Panzenhagen AC, Martins AR, et al. Emerging findings of glutamate–glutamine imbalance in the medial prefrontal cortex in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis of spectroscopy studies. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2022;272(8):1395-1411. doi:10.1007/S00406-022-01397-6,
38. Checa-Ros A, Jeréz-Calero A, Molina-Carballo A, Campoy C, Muñoz-Hoyos A. Current Evidence on the Role of the Gut Microbiome in ADHD Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Implications. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):249. doi:10.3390/NU13010249
39. Bravo JA, Forsythe P, Chew M V., et al. Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011;108(38):16050-16055. doi:10.1073/PNAS.1102999108/SUPPL_FILE/PNAS.201102999SI.PDF
40. Amminger GP, Berger GE, Schäfer MR, Klier C, Friedrich MH, Feucht M. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children with Autism: A Double-blind Randomized, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study. Biol Psychiatry. 2007;61(4):551-553. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.05.007
41. Bent S, Bertoglio K, Ashwood P, Bostrom A, Hendren RL. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2011;41(5):545. doi:10.1007/S10803-010-1078-8
42. Sowa-Kućma M, Legutko B, Szewczyk B, et al. Antidepressant-like activity of zinc: Further behavioral and molecular evidence. J Neural Transm. 2008;115(12):1621-1628. doi:10.1007/s00702-008-0115-7
43. Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders - PubMed. Accessed March 18, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16846100/
44. Carrillo JÁ, Pilar Zafrilla M, Marhuenda J. Cognitive Function and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetable Polyphenols in a Young Population: Is There a Relationship? Foods. 2019;8(10):507. doi:10.3390/FOODS8100507
June 24, 2025
113 view(s) 
