Nutritional Interventions for Cognitive Improvement in Children with ADHD and ASD: A Systematic Review from a Biomedical and Educational Standpoint
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.90.70595Keywords
ADHD, ASD, nutritional interventions, cognitive functions, microbiome, supplementationAbstract
Background. ADHD and ASD are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by oxidative stress and gut-brain axis dysfunction. Lifestyle factors, especially nutrition, are key modifiable elements affecting brain plasticity.
Aim. To analyze the impact of dietary interventions and supplementation on cognitive functions and behavior in children with ASD and ADHD.
Material and methods. A systematic review of literature (2020–2024) was conducted using the PubMed database, including RCTs, meta-analyses, and reviews.
Results. Oligoantigenic diets effectively reduce core symptoms. Supplementation with omega-3, vitamin D, and magnesium correlates with improved neurocognition. Microbiome modulation via probiotics benefits mental health and sleep.
Conclusions. Nutritional interventions serve as valuable support for pharmacological and educational therapies, impacting learning effectiveness.
References
Anheyer, D., Koch, A. K., Kauther, D., et al. (2022). Application of Herbs and Dietary Supplements in ADHD Management. Zeitschrift für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie, 50(4), 282-293. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35864791/
Bullon, P., Quintero, J., & Fernandez-Rodriguez, A. (2024). A closer look at the role of nutrition in children and adults with ADHD and neurodivergence. Nutrients, 16(21), 3740. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40808843/
Bundgaard-Nielsen, C., Hagstrøm, S., & Sørensen, S. (2024). Functional contribution of the intestinal microbiome in autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Rett syndrome: a systematic review. Gut Microbes, 16(1), 2325192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38516317/
Carucci, S., Balia, C., Gagliano, A., et al. (2023). Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1146398. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36907194/
Cheng, S. C., Liang, S. H., Huang, Y. C., et al. (2024). Gut microbiome differences in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder and effects of probiotic supplementation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 65, 112-124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40184961/
Cortese, S., & Tessari, L. (2021). ADHD and Risk of Childhood Adiposity: a Review of Recent Research. Current Psychiatry Reports, 23(2), 5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33400254/
Del-Ponte, B., Quinte, G. C., Cruz, S., et al. (2022). Eating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 14(20), 4332. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36297016/
Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2024). Gut Microbiota in Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: Current Insights and Therapeutic Implications. Annual Review of Medicine, 75, 411-425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007667/
Drechsler, R., Brem, S., Brandeis, D., et al. (2024). ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Children and Adolescents. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 121(8), 263-274. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38657097/
Felt, B. T., Biermann, B., Christner, J. G., et al. (2024). Treatments for ADHD in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 7, 921-933. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38523592/
Hemamy, M., Pahlavani, N., Amanollahi, A., et al. (2021). The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial. Adhd Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 13(2), 203-213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33865361/
Hontelez, S., Strik-Albers, R., van Rooij, I. J., et al. (2021). Correlation between brain function and ADHD symptom changes in children with ADHD following a few-foods diet: an open-label intervention trial. Scientific Reports, 11, 22205. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34772996/
Izquierdo, M., Martinez-Velilla, N., Casas-Herrero, A., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of exercise for improving cognition, memory and executive function: a systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 58, 102-114. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40049759/
Johnstone, J. M., Hatsu, I., Tost, G., et al. (2023). Nutrition in the Management of ADHD: A Review of Recent Research. Nutrients, 15(15), 3350. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37505402/
Karagianni, P., Karagianni, V., & Tsirka, V. (2024). The Interaction Between Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Nutrition. Children (Basel), 11(10), 1261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39508912/
Kotsi, E., Kotsi, P., & Sergentanis, T. N. (2024). The Relationship Between Prenatal, Perinatal, and Postnatal Factors and ADHD: The Role of Nutrition, Diet, and Stress. Life (Basel), 14(10), 1269. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39508433/
Kovács, Z., & D'Agostino, D. P. (2024). Exogenous ketone bodies and the ketogenic diet as a treatment option for neurodevelopmental disorders. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 18, 1492351. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39749357/
Millenet, S., & Hohmann, S. (2024). Gut-Brain Inflammatory Pathways in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: The Role and Therapeutic Potential of Diet. Children (Basel), 11(10), 1184. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40422911/
Mocking, R. J., Steijn, K., Roos, C., et al. (2022). Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Mental Disorders: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses. Molecular Psychiatry, 27, 4443-4456. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36041185/
Moghaddam, A. S., Saffari, M., & Khoramjerdi, S. (2024). Exploring the Relationship of Dietary Intake With Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity, Beyond ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 28(14), 2154-2165. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39498688/
O'Neil, A., Quirk, S. E., Itsiopoulos, C., et al. (2024). The Role of Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Supplements in the Management of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 69(10), 654-672. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38689430/
Pelsser, L. M., Gerretzen, J. P., Esch, T. E., et al. (2022). Long-Term Effects of an Oligoantigenic Diet in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Core Symptomatology. Nutrients, 15(1), 51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36501141/
Pelsser, L. M., Gerretzen, J. P., Esch, T. E., et al. (2022). Physical Complaints Decrease after Following a Few-Foods Diet in Children with ADHD. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10, 936805. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/85]
Rios-Hernandez, A., Izquierdo-Pulido, M., & Sanchez-Mora, C. (2021). Impulsiveness in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder after an 8-week intervention with the Mediterranean diet and/or omega-3 fatty acids: a randomised clinical trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 61, 1493–1505. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34656505/
Sarris, J., de Graaf, S., & Travica, N. (2024). Dietary Interventions and Supplements for Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Recommendations. Nutrients, 16(20), 3465. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39429382/
Sciberras, E., & Lycett, K. (2023). Exploring Differences in Physical Health in Young Children With and Without ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(14), 1612-1621. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078865/
Scott, S. C., & Taylor, S. (2024). The role of nutrition and gut microbiome in childhood brain development and behavior. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 25, 612-625. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40551742/
Shivappa, N., Hebert, J. R., & Steck, S. E. (2024). Associations between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Nutrients, 16(21), 3812. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40846717/
Shulkin, M., Pletsch, P. K., & Coletta, J. M. (2021). Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dietary Supplements Consumed During Pregnancy and Lactation and Child Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(8), 2754. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34383914/
Sivraka, G., Bakolas, G., & Papathanasiou, I. V. (2022). The Effects of Vitamin Therapy on ASD and ADHD: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(4), e24211. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35585808/
Sultan, S., Taimuri, U., Basnan, S. A., et al. (2020). Impact of vitamin D on neurocognitive function in dementia, depression, schizophrenia and ADHD. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 12, 133. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33049684/
van de Wouw, M., Walsh, S. M., O'Mahony, S. M., et al. (2023). Randomised controlled trial of the effects of kefir on behaviour, sleep and the microbiome in children with ADHD: a study protocol. BMJ Open, 13(12), e077226. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38149413/
Verlaet, A. A., Noriega, V. P., Hermans, N., et al. (2022). Is there a place for dietetic interventions in adult ADHD? Adhd Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 14(3), 195-205. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35964708/
Verlaet, A. A., Maasakkers, K., Hermans, N., et al. (2024). Investigating the Impact of Nutrition and Oxidative Stress on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(18), 10114. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39339712/
Wang, Y., & Li, J. (2024). [Nutrition intervention in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi, 26(10), 1083-1089. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40374362/
Wang, L. J., Yang, C. Y., Chou, M. C., et al. (2024). Exploring the impact of probiotics on adult ADHD management through a double-blind RCT. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 14(10), 1083. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39500949/
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Marcelina Kaczmarek, Dominika Dmowska , Karolina Rymska, Maciej Krzesimir Kuświk, Dominik Chrzanowski, Wiktoria Bajek, Kinga Żmuda, Mikołaj Lewandowski

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The periodical offers access to content in the Open Access system under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 60
Number of citations: 0