Neurological - ADHD

ADHD

The Problem
Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by the inability to focus attention coupled with hyperactivity. Although ADHD is often associated with only children, it can affect one at any age. 

The Traditional Medical Approach
The primary pharmacological treatment for ADHD consists of drugs that are stimulants that increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine,  The primary drugs include methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, and others) or amphetamine (Adderall or Adderall XR)

The Metabolic Engineering® Approach
One published clinical research indicates that high-dose omega-3 fatty acids combined with the Zone diet had a significant impact had a significant benefit in better managing this condition in children (1).  Another study using only high-dose omega-3 fatty acids had a benefit, but not to the same extent as combining the omega-3 fatty acids with the Zone diet (2).   Not surprisingly, there is also an association between adult ADHD and insulin resistance (3). 

The goal of Metabolic Engineering® is to reduce insulin resistance by increasing AMPK activity.  Using the Zone diet component of Metabolic Engineering® to restrict calories without hunger or fatigue is the most powerful dietary approach for lowering insulin resistance because of its direct impact on increasing AMPK activity.  The omega-3 fatty acid and polyphenol components of Metabolic Engineering® are indirect activators of AMPK activity.   Thus, combining all three dietary interventions in Metabolic Engineering® provides the optimal approach to maximizing AMPK activity to reduce insulin resistance and improve the symptoms of ADHD.

This suggests that using the full spectrum of Metabolic Engineering® may significantly impact managing ADHD at any stage of life by reducing insulin resistance in the brain by increasing omega-3 fatty acid content in the brain.

References
1. Sorgi PJ, Hallowell EM, Hutchins HL, Sears B.Effects of an open-label pilot study with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates on plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  Nutr J. 2007; 6:16. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-16.

2. Germano M, Meleleo D, Montorfano G, Adorni L, Negroni M, Berra B, Rizzo AM. Plasma, red blood cells phospholipids, and clinical evaluation after long chain omega-3 supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nutr Neurosci. 2007; 10:1-9. doi: 10.1080/10284150601153801.

3. di Girolamo G, Bracco IF, Portigliatti Pomeri A, Puglisi S, Oliva F.Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in a sample of adult ADHD outpatients.  Front Psychiatry. 2022; 13:891479. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.891479.