oily fish but the canning process causes a significant
loss of fatty acids so tinned tuna has an EPA and DHA
content comparable to white fish, such as cod, had-
dock and plaice. Certain varieties of fish are more
likely to contain large amounts of pollutants such as
mercury and lead which are known to be neurotoxic
and so it is prudent for people with ADHD, and all
children under 16 years of age, to avoid eating shark,
marlin and swordfish. DHA can also be found in liver
and egg yolks and so these foods should be incorpo-rated into the diet regularly, unless you are taking a
nutritional supplement that contains vitamin Ain
which case you should not eat liver or foods contain-
ing liver such as paˆte ́.
A general recommendation of a combined daily
dose of 500 mg EPA and DHA is needed to avoid
functional deficiency of these important fats, although
individuals with ADHD may have an even higher
requirement. This weekly total of 3,500 mg is the
equivalent of3 portions of salmon every week. InKEY TERMS
Autism—Autism, or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD),
is a serious developmental disorder, characterizedby
profound deficits in language, communication, social-
isation and resistance to learning.
Auto-immunity—A response, involving the immune
system, that results in a person’s own tissues being
attacked.
Benzoic Acid—A type of preservative used in proc-
essed foods known to cause food sensitivity in some
individuals when consumed in the diet.
Carnitine—This is a naturally occurring substance,
needed for the oxidation of fatty acids, a deficiency
of which is known to have major adverse effects on
the CNS.
Dietitian—A Healthcare Professional, qualified to
degree or post-graduate level, who advises individu-
als on diet and nutrition as part of a treatment strategy
for particular medical conditions or for disease
prevention.
Dyslexia—An inherent dysfunction affecting the lan-
guage centres of the brain which results in difficulties
with reading and writing.
Dyspraxia—A developmental disorder that affects
co-ordination and movement.
Elimination Diet—A diet consisting of a limited
range of foods, classed as low risk in terms of causing
food sensitivity or allergy.
Essential Fatty Acid—A type of fat that is necessary
for the normal function of the brain and body and
that the body is unable to produce itself, making
them ’essential’ to be taken through the diet and /
or supplements.
Ferritin—Iron is stored in the body, mainly in the
liver, spleen and bone marrow, as ferritin.Functional Deficiency—The depleted state of a par-
ticular nutrient that precipitates compromised func-
tion within the brain or body.
Hydrogenated Fats—A type of fat made by the proc-
ess of hydrogenation, which turns liquid oils into solid
fat. Bio-hydrogenation occurs in ruminant animals
(eg. cows) and so small amounts of hydrogenated fats
are found in butter, dairy foods and meat but these are
accepted as being harmless. The commercial hydro-
genation of oils produces large quantities of hydro-
genated fats and have been implicated in the
development of coronary heart disease and impaired
cell signalling in the brain.
Lipid Peroxidation—This refers to the chemical
breakdown of fats.
Neurotoxic—A substance that has a specific toxic
effect on the nervous system.
Oxidative Injury—Damage that occurs to the cells
and tissues of the brain and body by highly reactive
substances known as free radicals.
Polyuria—An excessive production of urine.
Sodium Benzoate—A type of preservative used in
processed foods known to cause food sensitivity in
some individuals when consumed in the diet.
Sodium Metabisulphite—A type of sulphite preser-
vative used in processed foods known to cause food
sensitivity in some individuals when consumed in
the diet.
Sulphites—A type of preservative used in processed
foods known to cause food sensitivity in some indi-
viduals when consumed in the diet.
Sulphur Dioxide—A type of preservative used in
processed foods known to cause food sensitivity in
some individuals when consumed in the diet.
Vanillin—A synthetic version of vanilla flavoring.ADHD diet