Association between dietary n-6/n-3 ratio and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among American children and adolescents: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Abstract
Background: Industrialized eating habits have disrupted the balance between n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a change reflected in human tissue composition. Increased n-6 to n-3 ratios may contribute to the emergence of several neurodevelopmental conditions. This study aims to determine how the balance between dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids relates to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids and teenagers in the U.S.
Methods: Data were derived from 5,882 participants aged 4-15 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2004. To examine the connection between dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios and ADHD, multivariable logistic regression models were utilized. Additionally, restricted cubic spline models were used to analyze dose-response relationships while conducting stratified, interaction, and sensitivity analyses to support the robustness of the findings.
Results: Among 5,882 participants, 386 (6.6%) were diagnosed with ADHD. Relative to the lowest tertile (T1: 11.21) had a 49% increased adjusted likelihood of having ADHD (95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.99; P = 0.007). Restricted cubic-spline modeling revealed an approximately linear relationship between dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios and ADHD risk, without significant non-linearity (P = 0.547). These findings remained consistent in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions: Higher ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in diets correlated…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 5,882 participants or records.
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