In September 2019 researchers from Spain published the results of their study to assess the association between weight, birth attributes, exercise and sleep habits, dietary intake and impulsive behaviour in Spanish children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A total of 57 children, aged 6-16 years, with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder were included in the study. Information was collected on sleep, exercise and technology-use and dietary habits and adherence to the Mediterranean diet assessed. In addition, body measurements including height and weight were taken. Clinical data was used to establish an impulsivity score. Results showed that there was a clear association between higher impulsivity scores and sleeping less at weekends, a poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, usage of the internet and technological devices for more than 3 hours/day, a weight of under 2.5 kg at birth, delivery by caesarean and in those who were not breastfed. Those individuals exercising more than 3 days a week also scored a slightly higher impulsivity score.
San Mauro Martin I et al. Lifestyle factors, diet and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Spanish children – an observational study. Nutr Neurosci. 2019 Sep 3:1-10. [Epub ahead of print]