07-07-2025
Global Review Finds Mediterranean Diet May Play Key Role In Managing ADHD
It's the superhero of the nutrition world, and now a scientific review has shown the potential power of the Mediterranean diet to help manage the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
The recently published review by the University of the Sunshine Coast is one of the first to directly research the benefits of the Mediterranean diet – with its high intake of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and extra-virgin olive oil – versus unhealthy diets typically high in sugar, additives and saturated fats, to lessen ADHD symptoms.
UniSC Psychology researcher Naomi Lewis said the novel review examined all available global evidence on the key nutrients and dietary patterns implicated in ADHD, and linked the findings to underlying biological mechanisms such as gut imbalance and inflammation.
'We found strong evidence that diet and nutrition may be more important than we think when it comes to managing ADHD symptoms and providing protective benefits,' she said.
The study builds on earlier findings by the researchers on the role of diet in brain-gut inflammation pathways in ADHD, that an imbalance of good versus bad gut microorganisms may impact the severity of symptoms.
'What we eat plays a big role in the health of our gut microbiome, which are the trillions of bacteria and other microbes in our digestive system that help support brain and overall health,' Ms Lewis said.
'When these microbes become imbalanced, it can affect our physical and mental wellbeing, including possibly making symptoms of ADHD worse. This is because an imbalanced gut can lead to harmful states such as inflammation that can affect how the brain functions.
'A diet high in fibre, healthy fats such as omega-3s, and antioxidants helps good bacteria in our guts to thrive, whereas too much sugar, saturated fat, and other components of a highly processed diet could promote harmful bacteria and inflammation.'
UniSC Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics Dr Anthony Villani said the Mediterranean diet was under-researched in ADHD, with a lack of robust trials investigating dietary strategies in its management.
'Most research to date has focused on elimination diets, with very limited exploration of the Mediterranean diet,' Dr Villani said.
'We know from other studies that children and adolescents with ADHD – a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity – tend to have poorer diets, compared to those without.
'These diets are often highly processed and at risk of being deficient in certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and B vitamins, known to support optimal brain functioning.
'Following a Mediterranean-based diet has great potential to help improve ADHD symptoms by improving gut health and lowering inflammation as it is rich in anti-inflammatory foods and fibre such as olive oil, fruits, vegetables and fish."
While medications are the most common treatment for managing symptoms of ADHD, they are associated with side effects and many people do not respond effectively.
'While it's not a cure for ADHD, a Mediterranean-based diet, as well as targeted supplements, may help some people better regulate ADHD behaviours more effectively. It's a low-risk, affordable option worth considering,' Dr Villani said.
The researchers recommend clinical trials to determine the clinical utility and effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in ADHD management.
