Add In Children-anyone See A Difference Going gluten-free?

[Guest momx3]

My 10yo son was diagnosed in kindergarten with ADD. He exhibits all of the classic symptoms of ADD-inability to sit still, lack of concentration/focus, etc-but he also exhibits many of the celiac disease symptoms. Just today, he was in agony all day and vomited this afternoon after eating soy sauce last night. He often has leg cramps, he's short & skinny for his age, often has stomach troubles (which I have often attributed to his ADD meds). We're in the process of screening my 13mo old son for celiac disease and have been reading a little about the connection between ADD & celiac disease & it just all made sense....

Does anyone have experience with ADD and a gluten-free diet? Have you noticed a decrease in symptoms?

Thanks! Kate

[shayesmom]

My 10yo son was diagnosed in kindergarten with ADD. He exhibits all of the classic symptoms of ADD-inability to sit still, lack of concentration/focus, etc-but he also exhibits many of the celiac disease symptoms. Just today, he was in agony all day and vomited this afternoon after eating soy sauce last night. He often has leg cramps, he's short & skinny for his age, often has stomach troubles (which I have often attributed to his ADD meds). We're in the process of screening my 13mo old son for celiac disease and have been reading a little about the connection between ADD & celiac disease & it just all made sense....

Does anyone have experience with ADD and a gluten-free diet? Have you noticed a decrease in symptoms?

Thanks! Kate

My dd does not have ADD but I can honestly tell you that at 15 months of age, I was TERRIFIED that she'd have it as she already exhibited the symptoms. We were never officially diagnosed with Celiac either but rather, had implemented a gluten-free diet just prior to seeing our GI specialist (didn't know we weren't "supposed" to do that). The change in behavior was the FIRST drastic change we noticed. In 24 hours, our dd could sit still and concentrate and in 3 days, her verbal skills jumped through the roof! Diarrhea cleared up in 3-4 days and appetite increased drastically from that point on and she began gaining weight.

I should also mention that certain other foods ended up coming out of her diet as well. She still reacts to all forms of dairy, artificial sweeteners, food colorings (especially yellow #5, red #33 and #40) and to certain amounts of soy and even eggs (doesn't react if they are baked in a recipe though). I guess what I am saying is that sometimes removing gluten just isn't enough and you have to experiment a bit to see what is working. The best thing you can do is monitor behavior, progress and symptoms in a food journal. By keeping track of things that way, you will find it to be much easier to pinpoint problematic foods. HTH

[sarahjo]

we thought that our 2 year old might have it, but when she is milk, wheat, gluten free she improves dramatically. the medicines for add have nasty side effects. there alot of books that explain the relationship between the diet and add/adhd. to be honest i wouldn't give my kid the medicine before trying the diet. you need to do what is best for you and your child. but research the connection between the 2. good luck, let me know.

[lonewolf]

My 11 yo son's teacher suggested he be tested for ADD earlier this school year. I took him to the pediatrician, asked about Celiac (he tested negative) and other food issues. He's already off milk and has been since about 13 months old. The pediatrician suggested going wheat free, no matter what the tests showed. I had him go gluten-free and he has done well. His teacher no longer thinks he needs to be tested. He still sometimes "zones out", but is a LOT better.

[DonnaD]

My 11 yo son's teacher suggested he be tested for ADD earlier this school year. I took him to the pediatrician, asked about Celiac (he tested negative) and other food issues. He's already off milk and has been since about 13 months old. The pediatrician suggested going wheat free, no matter what the tests showed. I had him go gluten-free and he has done well. His teacher no longer thinks he needs to be tested. He still sometimes "zones out", but is a LOT better.

Plse see Open Original Shared Link where I have just posted re this subject and my daughter.

Sorry rushing to go out!