Summary:
This is a longitudinal study that examined the long-term effects of an oligoantigenic diet on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents, with a particular focus on impulsivity. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by ongoing difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour that can impair daily functioning. Although stimulant medications are commonly used and are effective for many individuals, they may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal problems and sleep disturbances. As a result, increasing attention has been directed toward non-pharmacological interventions, including dietary approaches. Among dietary interventions in current literature, the oligoantigenic diet has shown promising results. The diet can be defined as a short-term elimination diet that removes foods commonly linked to intolerances or allergies, followed by a gradual reintroduction to identify individual dietary triggers. In this study, 31 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years completed a four-week oligoantigenic diet. ADHD symptom severity was assessed using a parent rating scale. Participants who showed substantial symptom improvement during the diet underwent a food reintroduction phase to identify individual food intolerances. They were then advised to avoid trigger foods for at least one year. The findings demonstrated significant short-term reductions in overall ADHD symptoms following the four-week diet, including improvements across all symptoms. A follow-up assessment conducted 3.5 years later with 21 participants indicated that these improvements were largely maintained over time. This study suggests that an oligoantigenic diet, combined with long-term avoidance of individually identified trigger foods, may provide long-term improvements in ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. The results support the potential therapeutic role of dietary interventions as part of ADHD management.
Abstract:
Background: Based on the multitude of findings, nutrition is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. One promising approach is the so-called oligoantigenic diet (OD). This intervention involves avoiding certain foods that often trigger intolerances and allergies. Previous studies have shown that around 60% of patients experienced a significant reduction in ADHD symptoms after completing such a diet. The aim of the present study was to further confirm the efficacy of the OD within an analysis focusing on the symptom of impulsivity. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the Parent Rating of the Diagnostic System of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents (DISYPS-II FBB-ADHD) questionnaire was used to measure the severity of ADHD symptoms. Of 34 children and adolescents (between 7 and 18 years of age) screened and included in this study, 31 participants completed the 4-week OD diet. Results: The corresponding post-diet analysis showed significant short-term improvements for the DISYPS-II FBB-ADHD total score, compared to the start of the diet. This pattern of results also applied to the respective subscales of the DISYPS-II FBB-ADHD questionnaire. A follow-up evaluation conducted 3.5 years after the intervention with 21 participants suggested that the improvements in ADHD symptoms were maintained over time. Specifically, 66.7% of the participants continued to meet the responder criterion, with particularly notable and lasting reductions in impulsivity. Discussion: These results suggest that the beneficial effects of the oligoantigenic diet followed by identifying and avoiding individual intolerant foods may persist long term, and participants’ dietary habits may have also evolved over the years. Conclusion: The oligoantigenic diet may have long-term therapeutic potential for reducing ADHD symptoms, especially impulsivity, in children and adolescents.
Article Publication Date: 03/06/2025
DOI: 10.3390/nu17111916
