Research review. The role of diet in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - an appraisal of the evidence on efficacy and recommendations on the design of future studies

摘要: Background The efficacy of three dietary treatments for ADHD has been repeatedly tested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These interventions are restricted elimination diets (RED), artificial food colour (AFCE) and supplementation with free fatty acids (SFFA). There have systematic reviews associated meta-analyses the RCTs each these treatments. Scope The aim this review is to critically appraise studies on ADHD, compare various their that published identify where design such could be improved further investigations needed. Findings The differ inclusion exclusion criteria applied potentially eligible studies. The range average effect sizes standard deviation units RED (0.29–1.2), AFCE (0.18–0.42) SFFA (0.17–0.31). methodology many which based weak. Conclusions Nevertheless, there evidence from well-conducted a small SFFA. Restricted may beneficial, but large-scale needed unselected children, using blind assessment including long-term outcome. Artificial valuable treatment its size remains uncertain, as does type child whom it likely efficacious. additional supplements used children ADHD. A search identified 11 investigated effects supplements. Despite positive results some individual trials, more required before conclusions can reached value reducing symptoms any