Caloric and nutrient intake in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with extended-release methylphenidate: analysis of a cross-sectional nutrition survey

OBJECTIVES: To study calorie and nutrients intake in a group of patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under treatment with extended-release methylphenidate (MPH-ER), and to analyse the need to design nutrition intervention strategies. DESIGN: Observational (case-control). SETTING: Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with ADHD under treatment with MPH-ER and 100 healthy children (control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A nutrition survey was carried out (food intake registration of 3 consecutive school days). Calorie and nutrient intake, as well as nutrition status, were evaluated and compared in both groups. RESULTS: Nutritional status in ADHD group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in control group. Calorie intake in mid-morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group. Calorie intake in supper was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the ADHD group. There were no significant differences in breakfast. Total calorie intake, as well as protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and phosphorous, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate intake, in control group was significantly higher than in ADHD group. CONCLUSIONS: The daily calorie and nutrients intake in patients under treatment with MPH-ER is, generally, lower than in healthy population of similar age. The need to impart programmes of nutrition education simultaneously with multimodal treatment in order to avoid the nutrition consequences of treatment with MPH should be considered.