New Study: Poor Diet During Pregnancy May Contribute to ADHD Development in Babies

A diet rich in fats and sugars during pregnancy may contribute to the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and behavioral issues in babies, according to researchers following a new study.

The research, conducted by scientists from KCL in London and the University of Bristol, is the first to find that an unhealthy diet during pregnancy can alter the genes of the baby in a way that leads to changes in the brain and ADHD.

ADHD and behavioral problems are the most common reasons for children being referred to psychiatrists, and they often accompany each other: forty percent of children diagnosed with behavioral issues have ADHD.

The study examined 83 children who developed persistent behavioral issues at a young age, comparing them to 81 children without such problems. In parallel, it was investigated how the mothers' diet during pregnancy altered the IGF2 gene, which is involved in the development of the parts of the fetus's brain associated with ADHD.

The results showed that a diet high in sugar and fat, based on processed foods and sweets, was associated with more changes in the gene. These changes, as noted, led to the development of behavioral issues at a young age (such as frequent hitting and lying) and between ages 7 and 13, a higher rate of ADHD diagnoses.

Dr. Edward Barker, a psychologist from KCL who was among the study's authors, emphasizes, however, that parents of children with ADHD should not blame themselves because diet is just one factor, although it may have significant importance.

"Behavioral problems and ADHD are very complex psychiatric issues influenced by many factors," he says. "Diet is an important factor, but alongside it, other risk factors are important. A wise diet can improve symptoms but is not the sole cause of ADHD or behavioral problems."

Other researchers noted that although a link has been proven between poor diet during pregnancy and children with behavioral issues or ADHD, it is unclear what comes first. "It is quite possible that mothers who eat poorly during pregnancy are impulsive themselves and therefore struggle to control their impulses for junk food. In that case, the child's ADHD might simply be inherited from the mother, regardless of diet."

The researchers hope to conduct further studies to determine how much diet during pregnancy directly affects the risk of developing ADHD, and accordingly formulate dietary recommendations for pregnant women, especially those at higher risk of giving birth to children with ADHD or behavioral problems.