You may have read reports of the new NICE guidelines for doctors in the press last week, for treating attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). They downplay the role of Ritalin but whilst suggesting nutritional support may be helpful they do not recommend essential fatty acid supplementation. However a review (1) of research published this week strongly links poor diet with ADHD, a condition thought to affect up to 1 in 12 children in Britain.

According to its author, Dr Natalie Sinn, from the University of South Australia “The current evidence supports indications of nutritional and dietary influences on behaviour and learning in these children, with the strongest support to date reported for omega-3s and behavioural food reactions.” Her review, published in the October edition of Nutrition Reviews, identifies a lack of the minerals iron, zinc and magnesium, a lack of omega-3 fats and sensitivity to certain food additives as possible contributors to ADHD.

Dr Sinn is one of a number of mental health experts from around the world who are flying in to London for a Food for the Brain Conference educating parents, health and educational professionals about the latest findings squarely linking diet with decline in children’s behaviour and school performance.

Among these is Commander Joseph Hibbeln, from America’s National Institutes of Health, who has found that increasing omega 3 fat intake reduces aggression and anxiety. Another is educational psychologist Dr Madeleine Portwood from Durham LEA, who is currently involved in studies in the UK in 39 secondary schools. “In our clinical trial in Durham we saw clear evidence of improved concentration in children with the symptoms of ADHD. We already have a number of well conducted trials from around the world that show clear benefit for children with ADHD.”

Last chance to book tickets for the Food for the Brain Conference - don't miss out - only a few places left!

Why not come and find out more for yourself from experts from around the world talking about the latest research on food and the brain at the 2008 Food for the Brain Conference. The conference, taking place on Saturday and Sunday October 11/12th, is open to anyone in the ‘food chain’ from parents and teachers to nutritionists, doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists. For those without a background in nutrition and mental health there’s a Primer seminar, taught by Patrick Holford, director of the Food for the Brain Foundation, on Friday October 10th.

To book a ticket or to find out more click here.

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