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Effects of High-Protein Diet on Weight and Height Growth in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Receiving Ritalin: A Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher



Mohammadi MR1 ; Mostafavi SA1 ; Hosseinzadeh P2 ; Chamari M3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Research Center, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: International Journal of School Health Published:2021


Abstract

Background: Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who take Ritalin may be faced with appetite reduction and weight loss. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a high-protein diet on weight and height growth in children with ADHD receiving Ritalin. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, performed during 2016-2018 in Tehran, 50 children with ADHD treated with Ritalin were randomly assigned to the high-protein diet (HPD) group (35% of the total calories intake from protein) or the control group receiving a standard diet (STD) (15% of the total calories from protein). The height and weight were measured in the standard mode and three-day food record was completed at baseline. The measurements were repeated on a monthly basis for 5 months. We used independent sample t-test to analyze the data. The study protocol was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the code of IRCT2014062116465N4. Results: A total of 40 children and adolescents (19 in HPD and 21 in STD) completed the study. Baseline characteristics between the trial arms were equal. After 5 months, the protein intake of HPD group was significantly higher based on a seven-day food record. In girls’ subgroup, after 5 months, the mean difference concerning height, weight, and BMI change in HPD group compared to the control group were respectively +0.5 cm (P =0.41),-2.5 kg (P=0.04), and-1.6 kg/m2 (P=0.01) while in boys’ subgroup, they were +0.4 cm (P=0.59),+0.3 kg (P =0.37), and+0.02 kg/m2 (P=0.51). Conclusion: Girls responded differently to the HPD. The BMI in the girls decreased significantly after 5 months of HPD consumption as a result of weight loss. This effect was not observed in the boys. This may be due to different patterns of growth and puberty in the two genders. © 2021, International Journal of School Health.
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