Summary:
Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This paper is a narrative review that synthesises evidence on ADHD, nutrition, and sports performance in children and adolescents, focusing on how dietary patterns may influence symptoms and athletic outcomes. Children and adolescents with ADHD generally have poorer diet quality than their peers, including higher intake of added sugars and lower intake of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This is associated with higher body weight and poorer health outcomes. ADHD is also associated with higher rates of injury and concussion in youth sport, likely due to inattention and impulsivity. Some evidence suggests that improved diet quality may reduce these symptoms, which could theoretically lower injury risk and improve performance. Pharmacological treatment is widely used in paediatric ADHD, and while medications such as amphetamines and methylphenidate may enhance athletic performance, they can also reduce appetite and energy intake, increasing the risk of low energy and potentially impairing performance and recovery. The review suggests that improving diet quality by ensuring adequate energy intake, increasing complex carbohydrates, improving fat quality, and supporting micronutrient intake, may benefit ADHD symptoms. In contrast, high intakes of added sugars and unhealthy fats are associated with poorer outcomes. In conclusion, the paper highlights the importance of diet quality in children and adolescents with ADHD and suggests nutrition may support symptom management and safe athletic participation, while emphasising the need for further research on nutritional interventions in youth athletes.
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Abstract:
Over 10% of US children and adolescents have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with a similar prevalence among youth athletes. While ADHD may confer certain athletic performance advantages such as heightened quickness, decision-making and periods of hyperfocus, it also poses some challenges including reduced concentration, frustration, and possible increased injury risk. Pharmacologic treatments, including stimulant-based medications, can improve attentiveness and athletic performance but could alter nutritional behaviors such as appetite suppression. This paper reviews the current literature on nutritional strategies to provide practical sports nutrition guidelines for children and adolescent athletes with ADHD. Evidence suggests that optimizing energy intake, emphasizing complex carbohydrates, improving fat quality intake, and consuming adequate amounts of micronutrients may support both athletic performance and ADHD symptom management. In contrast, excessive added sugars and saturated fats are associated with poorer outcomes and manifestation of ADHD symptoms. Although no research examining nutritional interventions in youth athletes with ADHD have been performed, applying established sports nutrition principles for youth athletes with ADHD offers a promising approach to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and support the long-term health of the athlete.
Article Publication Date: 16/01/2026
DOI: 10.3390/nu18020282
