Rania Nabil Sabry
Background: ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affect 5% of children worldwide and characterized by impairing inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity and can be avoided by excluding risk factors such as food. Sphingosin- 1-phosphate (S1P) is thought to have role in neuropsychiatric disorders, immunological diseases/allergic reactions and disturbances in its metabolic pathway were associated with intake of some foods and nutrients.
Aim: The study aimed to assess effect of diet modification on ADHD outcome, the role of food as a precipitating factor for ADHD symptomatology and its relation to serum S1P.
Results: There was improvement in ADHD symptoms as measured by Conner’s parent rating scale-revised short form (CPR-RS) after 5-weeks of diet modification program. Carbohydrate and protein intake decreased significantly after diet modification program. Energy intake did not show statistical difference while fat intake increased significantly after the diet program. Vitamin A, C, riboflavin, thiamin and iron intakes decreased significantly after diet program but were within the recommended dietary allowance. Serum S1P levels decreased significantly after diet modification
Conclusion: Following health education tips and diet modification program improved symptoms of ADHD as documented by decrease of CPR scores with concomitant decrease of serum S1P. Dietary carbohydrate and protein intakes were positively correlated with Conner’s parent rating scale-revised short (CPR-RS) scores and S1P.
