Restriction and elimination diets in ADHD treatment

Joel T. Nigg, Kathleen Holton

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Food elimination diets are defined and the history of their investigation in relation to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is reviewed. After noting that a consensus has emerged that an elimination diet produces a small but reliable aggregate effect, the present review provides updated quantitative estimates of effect size and clinical response rates to elimination diets. It then highlights key issues that require research attention, in particular characterization of dietary responders. Finally, because some children may benefit, clinical guidelines at the present state of knowledge are summarized. It is concluded that updated trials of elimination diets are sorely needed for ADHD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)937-953
Number of pages17
JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • Alternative treatment
  • Few foods diet
  • Food elimination diet

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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