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Allergy testing, psychological assessment and dietary treatment of the hyperactive child syndrome
Insights
The Feingold diet, an elimination diet, significantly improved behavior in children with sensitivities to salicylates, artificial colors, and flavors. Most children experienced reduced hyperactivity and improved sleep, demonstrating diet
Area of Science:
- Pediatric behavioral science
- Nutritional immunology
- Clinical dietetics
Background:
- Behavioral problems and learning difficulties in children are common.
- Food sensitivities, including to salicylates, artificial colors, and flavors, are suspected contributors.
- The Feingold diet is a widely recognized elimination diet approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of the Feingold diet in children with behavioral issues.
- To assess the impact of eliminating specific food additives on child behavior and related problems.
Main Methods:
- Allergy testing was performed on 31 children with behavioral problems and learning difficulties.
- Eighteen children showed positive responses to tested allergens.
- Fifteen of these children followed the Australian Version of the Feingold K.P. diet.
Main Results:
- Ninety-three percent of children on the Feingold diet showed significant behavioral improvements.
- Improvements were noted in overactivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, and excitability.
- Sleep disturbances and enuresis (bedwetting) were partially or fully resolved.
Conclusions:
- The Feingold elimination diet is an effective intervention for improving behavior in sensitive children.
- Dietary modifications can positively impact various aspects of a child's behavior and well-being.
- This study supports the role of diet in managing childhood behavioral and learning difficulties.
Abstract:
Thirty-one children with behavioural problems and learning difficulties were allergy tested for sensitivity to salicylates, artificial colours and flavours, eighteen children had a positive response, and 15 of these were given the Australian Version of the Feingold K.P. diet. Ninety-three per cent responded with improved behaviour in the areas of overactivity, distractability, impulsiveness and excitability. Sleep and enuresis problems were resolved partially or completely. This study demonstrates that the aforementioned elimination diet significantly affects behaviour.