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In a new study, researchers found there is a link between ADHD and dietary habits.
They found a link between ADHD and a higher intake of sugar and saturated fats, but a lower intake of fruit and vegetables.
The research was conducted by a team at Örebro Universitet in Sweden and elsewhere.
It is estimated that around 5% of children and 2.5% of the adult population may have ADHD, with around 70% of these caused by genetic factors.
The mechanisms behind ADHD remain unclear, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.
Almost 18,000 twins aged 20 to 47 were included in the study via the Swedish Twin Registry. They have filled out a questionnaire on lifestyle and health.
Researchers found that both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are linked to dietary habits.
By using the unique and large adult twin sample, this study, for the first time, found that the two heritable traits might share some genes.
The study explored dietary habits and ADHD to obtain a better understanding of why there is an association.
A better understanding may help scientists explain why individuals with ADHD are at increased risk for several somatic diseases, such as obesity.
It may also generate a new hypothesis for genetic research and treatment alternatives.
The published study is the very first step to get a clear picture of how ADHD associates with dietary habits.
Researchers are not able to say this is a causal link, but the genetic connections of the two traits could provide evidence and support for future experimental and molecular researches.
One author of the study is professor Henrik Larsson.
The study is published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics.
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