Pesticides and ADHD

The relationship between certain food and symptoms the ADHD symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity has long been a source of interest, claims, and strong controversy. Despite individual testimonials, careful an unbiased scientific studies have failed to consistently show any relationship between ADHD symptoms and such commonly suspected culprits as sugar and food additives. A recent study, however, has raised the very disturbing possibility that exposure to a very commonly used class of pesticides, organophosphates, may be related to ADHD symptoms.

A joint study from Harvard University and the University of Montreal examined the urine of a large group of children with ADHD, looking for breakdown products (metabolites) of organophosphates. Organophosphates are commonly used as pesticides. The study found a very clear relationship between the level of organophosphate metabolites in the urine of children and the severity of their symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity.

This is a study that will certainly need to be enlarged and repeated before any definitive statements can be made. There just is not enough information at this point for us to provide any specific recommendations. However, we know that organophosphates have central nervous system (brain) activity, interfering with a key brain chemical known as cholinesterase. Parents with children with ADHD-type symptoms certainly could consider whether they want to try a diet that minimized pesticide exposure, which would involve such changes as choosing organic produce. It can’t do any harm! This can be an expensive way to go, of course, but based on this very preliminary information, it seems like an option that parents should at least consider.

 

– Mental Health Matters! is written by the Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood and posted on the Carolina Parent Magazine's website, the Triangle's family resource - in print for over 21 years!  And online at www.carolinaparent.com.