Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Gluten Sensitivity in Children

Abstract

Aim:Dietary factors are considered one of the possible environmental risk factors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between ADHD and celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) in children.Materials and Methods:In this prospective study, children with ADHD, aged 6-18 years, were asked about the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms and their relationship with gluten intake with a previously prepared questionnaire form. Also, they were screened for CD [anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin (Ig) A and total IgA] and NCGS (anti-gliadin IgA/IgG antibodies).Results:Of the 117 children (76% male), the mean age was 9.2±2.4 years. Ninety-six patients (82%) had no gastrointestinal complaints. There was no relationship between gluten intake and complaints in the patients who had constipation (12.8%), recurrent abdominal pain (2.5%), dyspeptic symptoms (1.7%), and irritable bowel syndrome (0.8%). None of the patients had anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA or IgG positivity. Only 1 (0.8%) patient had anti-gliadin IgA, and 6 (5.1%) patients had anti-gliadin IgG positivity. There was no relation between the presence of symptoms and anti-gliadin IgG positivity (p=0.08).Conclusion:There was no increase in the frequency of CD and NCGS in children with ADHD.

Keywords

• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• celiac disease
• children
• non-celiac gluten sensitivity