THE ROLE OF NEURONUTRITION IN THE PREVENTION OF ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) SYMPTOMS

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder present during childhood and may last into adulthood. ADHD is characterized by attention deficit, hiperactivity, anxiety, impulsivity, and excessive motor activity, and may develop emotional, family, and social difficulties. These initial symptoms are observed giving importante to the insistence of its manifestation and its severity. To describe the role of neuronutrition in preventing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is an integrative literature review conducted through a literature survey in the databases Latin American Literature In Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), Public MedLINE (PubMed), Ministry of Health Virtual health Library (BVS) and magazine on the subject of interest oublished potentiation or reduction of symptoms associated with ADHD, as highlighted where it was observed that low ferritin was associated with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, thus, a balanced diet rich in iron assists in the therapy of ADHD and in reducing the symptomatology of the disease. Deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet and in the human body contributes, for example, to nervous system disorders and brain perfomance. The study highlighted that essential fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function. Through this literature review it was found that nutrition plays a key role in the treatment and prevention of ADHD, since the deficiency of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy can trigger this disorder, taking into account that more studies are needed to prove the benefit through diet and supplementation.