Doctor, is it true that many people have attention deficit disorder symptoms because they don’t have enough protein in their diet? I read that protein is essential for “normal neurotransmitter function.” My son was diagnosed with ADHD and he doesn't eat much protein. He's light on meat, and he won't eat any nuts. He's 10 years old.
There is no research that a lack of dietary protein causes either ADHD symptoms or ADHD as a condition. However, a balanced diet may be important. Years ago, Dr. Keith Conners of Duke University conducted some research demonstrating that when children with ADHD ate high-carbohydrate breakfasts, their symptoms at school were reported to be greater than when they ate a balanced breakfast of carbohydrate and protein. With either diet, however, they still experienced more problems at school than most children.
Learn more in the Everyday Health ADD/ADHD Center.