title: Nutrition, mood and behaviour: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a critical review of recent empirical research regarding mood, behaviour and nutrition factors including essential fatty acids, macronutrients, micronutrients and food additives.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search of databases Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Embase up to October 2008. The search emphasised empirical research published in the last 10 years and also included older literature. Studies in both adults and children were addressed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Research into omega-3 fatty acids has been substantial but evidence for their potential in treating mood and behaviour is modest. In comparison, there has been much less research into carbohydrate and protein intakes and little evidence for their ability to influence mood and behaviour. Recent trials with food additives suggest their removal from the diet may benefit susceptible children with hyperactivity disorders. Micronutrient supplementation appears to improve mood only in those who were initially deficient in micronutrients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More stringent research designs such as longitudinal studies and the use of biologically inert placebos within randomised controlled trials are needed before supplemental use of omega-3 fatty acids to treat disorders of mood and behaviour can be recommended. Caution is advised regarding the indiscriminate use of diets free of artificial food additives in managing hyperactivity disorders, as they may place an undue burden on individuals and their families. Should omega-3 fatty acid supplementation or the elimination of certain food additives be established as effective, they may provide cost-effective, accessible and well-tolerated adjuncts to standard psychiatric treatments for mood and behavioural disturbances.
authors.affiliation: 1Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Nerissa L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Soh
authors.affiliation: 1Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.affiliation: 3Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Baur
authors.affiliation: 4Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Collins