Diet and hyperkinesis: a review of the controversy

Controlled scientific evaluation of the efficacy of the Kaiser-Permanente diet has just begun and no studies have proved or disproved its usefulness in controlling the hyperkinetic syndrome. Further studies with good controls are needed. The best studies done so far tend to support the thesis that control of diet may influence the disorder. It has not been shown that diet is the most important variable; nor have the effective substances been identified. The Kaiser-Permanente diet appears to be basically sound and perhaps superior to a normal diet, with the exception of its low Vitamin C content. Careful monitoring of the child on this diet by a professional would be advisable. The hyperkinetic syndrome may represent more than one disease entity and may, therefore, require different forms of therapy. A careful evaluation of the individual case should be made, considering diet; behavioral, psychological, and physical problems; and learning disabilities, before the diagnosis of hyperkinetic syndrome is established. Cooperation of the physician, educator, and psychologist is required. The best form of treatment (dietetic, psychiatric, behavioral, or pharmaceutic) should be predicated upon the assessment by these professionals.