Nutrient Intake in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

June 23, 2005 updated by: National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Specific nutrient deficiencies have been described in children with ADHD including zinc, magnesium, calcium, and essential fatty acids. In addition, children with ADHD have been noted to behave and concentrate better in some studies when the ratio of protein compared with carbohydrate in their diets was increased, however, this was anecdotal information noted from studies designed to study other factors, so its not clear if the increased protein is actually the cause of the improved behavior. In our clinical practice, we have noted a high incidence of what appears to be carbohydrate "craving" among children with ADHD, which can put children at risk for obesity, diabetes type II, and additional dysregulation of mood and concentration. Carbohydrate craving is a well-documented phenomenon in adults, particularly those with certain patterns of obesity, mood disorders, or those undergoing smoking cessation programs. It has not been studied in children, however. Thus, this initial study was designed to determine 1) whether or not children with ADHD have different patterns of nutrient intake compared with children in the same family and children in families without a child with ADHD, 2) if the described nutrient deficiencies are due to decreased intake, and 3) whether there is an increased occurrence of carbohydrate craving, based on parents' perceptions, eating patterns, and actual intake, among children (or certain subgroups of children) with ADHD. The information gained from this study will be used to design additional studies to test causative hypotheses and intervention strategies.

Study Overview

Status

Unknown

Conditions

Detailed Description

Three day prospective diet records will be completed on 25 children aged 5-13 with ADHD, their sibling controls, and 25 children from control families without ADHD in order to assess their protein, carbohydrate, fat, calorie, and multiple specific nutrient intakes. In addition, a questionnaire will be completed on each child describing several aspects of eating behavior, food choices, and gastrointestinal, allergic, and infectious concomitants.

Study Type

Observational

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Pennsylvania
      • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
        • Recruiting
        • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
        • Contact:
          • Marianne Glanzman, M.D.
          • Phone Number: 215-590-7456

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

5 years to 13 years (Child)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Children with ADHD (combined or hyperactive-impulsive subtype) by Parent and Teacher Rating Scales, history, and interview who do not have a medical or neurologic problem that influences eating, who are not on medication for ADHD or another medication that may influence eating, aged 5-13 years with a sibling in the same age range meeting the same criteria but without ADHD. This sibling must have a normal Parent Rating Scale and not have been held back in school or been on medication or diagnosed with a learning, developmental, or neuropsychiatric disorder. Controls must meet the same criteria, and may not have a first-degree relative with ADHD. All participants must have a normal intellect, and may not have an autistic spectrum disorder or major depression.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)

Collaborators

Heppe Foundation

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 21, 2001

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 22, 2001

First Posted (Estimate)

February 23, 2001

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

June 24, 2005

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 23, 2005

Last Verified

December 1, 2003

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • NCRR-M01RR00240-1738

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity

Search Similar Trials

Sponsors and Collaborators

Medical Conditions

Drug Interventions

CROs by country

CROs in Congo

Conditions

Rare Diseases

Drug Interventions

Dietary Supplements

Sponsor/Collaborators

Locations

3
Subscribe