While most kids demonstrate some kind of fussy eating during childhood, for those with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), the issue may be more prevalent. This may be due to:1,2
While most kids demonstrate some kind of fussy eating during childhood, for those with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), the issue may be more prevalent. This may be due to:1,2
First line medications used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. While they may be helpful in managing the behavioural difficulties associated with the condition, they can suppress appetite during the day (when the medication is most active). As the medication wears off kids may become hungry in the evening.
Certain tastes, smells or the look of a particular food can be very off-putting for children with ADHD.
Dopamine is the ‘feel good’ chemical released in the brain. Research has found that children with ADHD, whose brains show low levels of dopamine activity, are more likely to crave junk foods, as they can cause a surge of dopamine.
Children with ADHD may struggle to sit still at meal times and become too distracted to eat.
Fussy eating may be more prevalent in children with an ADHD diagnosis.1,2
Here are some tips to help maximise their nutrition during periods when they are hungry and attentive to their food:
feed your kids a substantive and nutritious breakfast to minimise the impact of low appetite.
have a larger dinner prepared and a snack before bedtime.
have healthy yet desirable snacks readily available.
consider supplementing their diet with a liquid oral nutrition supplement such as PediaSure Ready-to-Drink to provide convenient, balanced and complete nutrition.
PediaSure is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.
Abbreviations: ADHD: attention deficit disorder.
References: 1. ADDitude. Does ADHD Medication Make Every Meal a Power Struggle? Available at: https://www.additudemag.com/does-adhd-medication-make-every-meal-a-power-struggle/ (Accessed 21 November 2022). 2. ADDitude. Got a Picky Eater on Your Hands? Here’s How to Cope. Available at: https://www.additudemag.com/picky-eaters-adhd-food-children/ (Accessed 21 November 2022).
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