Nutrient Intake, Dietary Patterns, and Anthropometric Indices of Children with ADHD in Comparison to Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study

Background: : Poor health behaviors and indices are recently reported in Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lifestyle which might be relevant to the pathophysiology of this disorder. The objective of this case-control study was to assess the nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and anthropometric indices in ADHD children compared to normal peers. Method: 100 children diagnosed with ADHD were included and compared to healthy, sex-matched normal children as the control group. Anthropometric indices, macronutrients, and micronutrients were measured and compared in both groups. Results: ADHD children were significantly consuming more simple sugars, tea, ready-made meals but less protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, zinc and calcium compared to the control group. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of ADHD children were significantly higher and were related to the severity and type of the disease. Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyle behavior is higher in ADHD which might warrants lifestyle intervention in this disorder.