Nutritional Influences on the Brain in ADHD: Evidence from Neuroimaging Studies
Daniele Corbo1, Roberto Gasparotti1,2, Francesca Bozzetti3,4
1Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Neurology International
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Nutrition may influence brain development in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Key nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids show associations with brain structure and function relevant to ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition influenced by biological and environmental factors.
- Nutrition plays a role in brain development and function from gestation through childhood.
- Dietary interventions are being explored for their potential impact on ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how dietary interventions affect neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with ADHD.
- To assess if nutritional approaches can modulate brain structure, function, or connectivity in ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining dietary interventions and neuroimaging in ADHD.
- Study quality assessed using established critical appraisal tools (Cochrane RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, NOS, JBI).
Main Results:
- Four studies met inclusion criteria.
- Prenatal vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc are associated with brain characteristics relevant to ADHD.
- Associations observed with brain volume, glutamatergic regulation, white matter, resting-state networks, and inattentive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition is a biologically plausible factor influencing neurodevelopment in ADHD.
- Diet may impact brain maturation and neural network organization in ADHD.
- Further longitudinal, multimodal neuroimaging studies are needed to elucidate these mechanisms.
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