The Evidence Backing Nutritional Tools That Support Pediatric Brain Health and a Healthy Attention Span

Because of the pandemic, many parents have had substantially more one-on-one time with their children. And it has not been limited to the typical activities of being Mum and Dad, suddenly, there is the job of teaching as well. Getting kids to do their homework and stay on task seemed like a struggle back in 2019 but took on a whole new meaning in 2020.

Herein, we look at key nutrients that support paediatric brain health and, with this, a healthy attention span.

This first analysis dealing with the relation between the Mediterranean diet and ADHD in children and adolescents, uncovers some unhealthy eating habits that could play a role in the development of this psychiatric disorder.[1]

More work is now required to identify any causality, however the researchers have raised some interesting points.

For some time now there has been a growing body of supportive evidence that the relationship between the bacteria in our digestive tract and our central nervous system may not be as tenuous as some may like to think. In a recent study published in Pediatric Research[1] a retrospective review of data in a small but informative group of children, indicates there may be a positive relationship between the use of a well studied probiotic and reduced risk of developing neuropsychiatric illness.

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Dr Mark Hyman presents an editorial exploring the functional medicine approach to mood disorders and presents an interesting case history. Full paper