(P09-002-25) MIND Dietary Pattern and Pediatric ADHD Symptoms: Beneficial Associations From Beans and Green Vegetable Intake

Objectives: The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet emphasizes antioxidant-rich foods linked to improved cognition. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) related alterations in cognitive functions are associated with elevated oxidative stress that reduces neurotransmission in the brain. This study developed a pediatric MIND diet score and examined its relation to ADHD symptoms among children.

Methods: Baseline dietary and behavioral data were cross-sectionally analyzed from the Micronutrients for ADHD in Youth (MADDY), an RCT of multinutrient supplementation in children with ADHD (6-12 y.o; n=132). A pediatric MIND diet score was developed based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The score ranged from 0 to 14, calculated using dietary data collected by VioScreenTM FFQ, with higher scores indicating healthier diet quality. ADHD symptoms were measured using the parent-rated Child & Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5) and Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), where higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. Relationships between variables were analyzed using linear regression models, adjusted for covariates.

Results: Participants included 93 males and 39 females (median age: 10.02 yrs). The median MIND diet score was 5 (IQR: 4-7). The total MIND diet score was not significantly associated with ADHD symptoms. However, higher bean intake (β= -0.808, p=0.041) and lower red meat intake (β= -0.766, p=0.013) were associated with less hyperactivity-inattention (SDQ). After adjusting for site, age, BMI, parent education and income, the relationship with bean intake remained significant (β= -1.063, p=0.008), but that of red meat intake was attenuated. In the adjusted model, higher green vegetable intake was associated with less hyperactivity (CASI-5) (β= -0.264, p=0.037).

Conclusions: A novel pediatric MIND diet score was developed, showing beneficial associations between intake of beans and green vegetables with ADHD symptoms. Further analysis of dietary components related to oxidative balance and neuroinflammation mediating the diet’s impact on ADHD, with a larger sample size, is needed.

Funding Sources: Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health Care, Gratis Foundation, CTSA award #s UL1TR002733, UL1TR002369.