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. 2025 Jul 30:12:1586925.
doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1586925. eCollection 2025.

A closer look at the role of nutrition in children and adults with ADHD and neurodivergence

Catherine Hunter  1 , Carla Smith  1 , Emily Davies  2 , Simon C Dyall #  1 , Rachel V Gow #  3
Affiliations

A closer look at the role of nutrition in children and adults with ADHD and neurodivergence

Catherine Hunter et al. Front Nutr. .

Abstract

Introduction: The role of nutrition in Attention-Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other neurodivergent conditions is of growing public and research interest. There is little research reporting vitamin, mineral and omega-3 fatty acid levels in ADHD and brain health.

Methods: This study presents nutritional and psychological data from a community UK sample of children (n = 47, Mean age: 10.1 years) and adults (n = 10, Mean age: 29.8 years) with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions (total n = 57). The participants undertook a blood draw which measured a range of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids as well as food allergies and food intolerances which were then correlated with psychological symptom scores measuring ADHD symptoms.

Results: The key findings, revealed that both children and adults presented with a range of insufficiencies in key nutrients which facilitate neurotransmitter function and, which are deemed as brain-essential, namely omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin D. Furthermore, significant relationships were observed between nutrient levels and ADHD symptom severity in the children's group. For example, red blood cell magnesium was negatively correlated with the Conners CI-Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) Disruptive Behavior scores (rho = -0.597, p = 0.024). The omega-3 index (sum of EPA + DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids) was negatively correlated with their Learning and Language Disorder scores, (rho = -0.601, p = 0.018). Magnesium levels were also associated with overall ADHD symptom severity (rho = -0.612, p = 0.02), implying that the greater the severity of ADHD symptoms, the lower the magnesium. This clinical cohort also presented with a range of food intolerances with over 80% of participants presenting with high reactivity scores to cow's milk, other dairy, and casein, and just over half the sample intolerant to wheat and wheat gluten.

Discussion: This is a novel study which presents preliminary data and insights in the role of nutrition in ADHD and neurodivergence. and relationships between nutritional insufficiencies and ADHD-symptoms. It specifically demonstrates a range of food intolerances and relationships between nutritional insufficiencies and ADHD-symptoms, which warrant further exploration in larger case-control groups.

Keywords: ADHD; Autism Spectrum Disorders; brain health; brain-selective-nutrients; neurodivergence; nutrition; nutritional psychiatry; omega-3-fatty acid.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Twelve charts display nutrient levels compared to recommended reference ranges. The first is a pie chart showing Omega-3 index: 4.7% suboptimal, 32.7% intermediate, 62.6% optimal. Next is a bar chart for Omega-3 index (EPA + DHA) with ranges marked. The Vitamin D chart shows 52.3% within range, 25.4% insufficient, 22.3% above. Iodine levels show 53.9% within range, 26.4% insufficient, 19.7% above. Vitamin B1 shows 31% normal, 69% insufficient. Vitamin B2 shows 32.46% normal, 67.4% insufficient. Vitamin B6 shows 49.4% normal, 50.6% insufficient. Zinc shows 52.9% within range, 47.1% insufficient. Vitamin E alpha shows 63% within range, 37% insufficient. Vitamin E gamma shows 62% within range, 38% insufficient. Iron shows 74.5% within range, 25.5% insufficient. Alpha carotene shows 78.8% within range, 21.2% insufficient.
FIGURE 1
Full cohort nutrient level (%) vs. recommended reference range.
A grid of twelve charts displaying various nutrient levels compared to recommended reference ranges. The charts include pie charts and a bar graph. Categories covered are Omega-3, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Iodine, Zinc, Iron, and Alpha Carotene, indicating percentages of deficiency, sufficiency, or excess. The Omega-3 graph shows a mean index of 3.5 percent. Pie charts detail proportions within, insufficient, or above range for each nutrient.
FIGURE 2
Children’s cohort nutrient levels (%) vs. Recommended Reference Range.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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