Nutritional and environmental approaches to preventing and treating autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a review.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to concisely review the available literature of nutritional and environmental factors on autistic spectrum and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Review of journal articles found on the PubMed database and from information from several conference proceedings.


RESULTS
Many, but not all, studies link exposure to toxins such as mercury, lead, pesticides, and in utero smoking exposure to higher levels of autism and/or ADHD. Some studies have reported many nutritional deficiencies in autism/ADHD patients. Numerous studies have reported that supplemental nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and phytochemicals may provide moderate benefits to autism/ADHD patients. Avoidance of food allergens, food chemicals, and chelation therapy may also provide some relief to autism/ADHD patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD are complicated conditions in which nutritional and environmental factors play major roles. Larger studies are needed to determine optimum multifactorial treatment plans involving nutrition, environmental control,medication, and behavioral/education/speech/physical therapies.
Curtis
Luke T
LT
LukeTCurtis@aol.com
Patel
Kalpana
K
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D001361:Avitaminosis / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018876:Environmental Illness / Q000150:complications; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005503:Food Additives / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044623:Nutrition Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015032:Zinc / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000485:Allergens; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005503:Food Additives; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014815:Vitamins; D008274:Magnesium; D015032:Zinc