| BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most
common mental disorders in children. Nutritional deficiency may play a role in the etiology of this disorder. The
purpose of this study was to determine and compare the nutritional status (dietary intake and anthropometric
indices) of boys with and without ADHD.
METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 36 boys with ADHD (case group) and 37 normal children
(control group), aged 6-12 years. The case subjects were assesssed by an expert psychiatrist via clinical evaluations
and psychiatric questionnaires. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the subjects were measured. Dietary
intake was recorded, using a three-day food record (three non-consecutive days including one holiday and two
weekdays) and analyzed using Nutritionist IV software.
FINDINGS: The mean weight, height, and BMI values were higher in children with ADHD, compared to the
control group (p<0.05); the mean±SD of BMI was 17.28±2.44 in the case group and 15.14±2.34 in the control
group (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of energy, macronutrient, or micronutrient intake
between the two groups. However, folate and selenium intake in the two groups was lower than the recommended
dietary allowance.
CONCLUSION: The results showed no signifcant difference between the energy intake of children with ADHD
and healthy boys. However, boys with ADHD were taller and heavier than healthy subjects, and their BMI was
higher. |