Nutrient patterns in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a case–control study

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent and highly impacting neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. Beyond its complexity, it’s a childhood-onset condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Among these, nutrition has emerged as a relevant modifiable factor, yet most studies have focused on isolated nutrients, overlooking dietary complex interplay. This study addresses that gap using a data-driven nutrient pattern approach. To identify nutrient patterns in children with ADHD and explore their association with behavioural symptoms. In this case–control study, 76 children aged 6–10 years (ADHD: n = 43, Neurotypical, n = 33) were included. Nutritional intake was assessed using 3-day food diaries and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to 24 total energy intakeadjusted dietary nutrients. Multivariable regression models assessed associations between nutrient patterns, individual nutrients, and ADHD-related symptoms measured by Child Behaviour Questionnaire (CBCL) and Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R:S). Seven major nutrient patterns were identified, explaining 76.7% of the total variance. Although no group-level differences in overall patterns reached statistical significance, the Antioxidant–Mineral factor showed a near-significant lower score in the ADHD group (p = 0.077). Children with ADHD consumed significantly less Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) (p = 0.003), Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) (p = 0.010), and vitamin C (p = 0.014). Vitamin A and selenium emerged as key nutrients associated with behavioral and emotional symptoms, and ADHD severity. Our findings suggest that children with ADHD may have lower intake of antioxidant-rich micronutrients and healthy fats, with implications for symptom severity. These results underscore the potential role for nutrition-based strategies in the clinical management of ADHD.