ADHD Adolescents Prefer Snacks Over Healthy Foods, Study Finds

Dietary Differences in Adolescents

Recent research published in the Journal of Attention Disorders highlights dietary differences between young people aged 16 to 20 diagnosed with ADHD and their non-ADHD peers.

The study reveals that adolescents with ADHD tend to consume a greater variety of snacks, such as chips, nuts, energy drinks, and fruit juices, compared to those without the disorder.

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by chronic inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impede a person’s functioning in daily life.

People with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining focus, are easily distracted, often forget tasks, and display impulsive behaviors and excessive movement.

While ADHD generally begins in childhood, its effects can persist into adulthood, affecting academic performance, workplace dynamics, and social interactions.

Implications of Dietary Choices

In their study, Laura Dalnoki and her research team sought to investigate the link between dietary patterns and ADHD among Dutch adolescents aged 16 to 20, approaching the research without a specific hypothesis.

Data was utilized from the KOALA Birth Cohort Study, which originally recruited expectant mothers between 2000 and 2002 for research on pelvic girdle pain.

The current research gathered data in 2021 from 810 adolescent-parent pairs.

Participants completed a 28-item questionnaire assessing their dietary behaviors, while also indicating whether they had received an ADHD diagnosis.

Parents provided information about their children’s behavioral issues using the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale – Revised Short Form to measure ADHD symptom severity, along with insights from the Temperament in Middle Childhood Questionnaire to assess impulsivity.

The analysis revealed five distinct dietary intake categories: snacks (high consumption of soft drinks, fruit juice, dried snacks, chips, nuts, and energy drinks), healthy foods (including lettuce, raw vegetables, fruits, eggs, and tea), animal-based products (such as dairy, meat, and fish), sweets (like pastries, chocolate, and candy), and beverages (including diet soft drinks and sports drinks).

Among the participants, 80 were diagnosed with ADHD.

Results indicated that these people consumed snacks more frequently than their peers.

Furthermore, a greater severity of ADHD symptoms was associated with increased snack intake.

Interestingly, the analysis found that people showing higher levels of impulsivity—assessed informally by their parents during childhood—tended to consume fewer sweet items while favoring beverages, specifically energy drinks.

The study suggests that impulsivity significantly influences dietary choices among adolescents, particularly regarding snack consumption.

Addressing impulsive behaviors could provide an opportunity to enhance dietary decisions and lead to potential health benefits.

While the findings offer valuable insights into the dietary patterns of adolescents with and without ADHD, it is important to note that the study’s design prevents drawing definitive cause-and-effect conclusions.

The research paper, titled “Exploring the Relationship of Dietary Intake With Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity, Beyond ADHD,” includes contributions from Laura Dalnoki and several co-authors: Petra P. M. Hurks, Jessica S. Gubbels, Simone J. P. M. Eussen, Monique Mommers, and Carel Thijs.

Study Details:

• Title: Exploring the Relationship of Dietary Intake With Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity, Beyond ADHD
• Authors: Laura Dalnoki, Petra P. M. Hurks, Jessica S. Gubbels, Simone J. P. M Eussen, Monique Mommers, and Carel Thijs
• Journal: Journal of Attention Disorders
• Publication Date: December 30, 2024
• DOI: 10.1177/10870547241293946