Embrace a Chemical Free Diet for ADHD

PediaSmart^® has been Accepted by the Feingold Diet

Study Links Pesticides & ADHD

A report in the June 2010 issue of Pediatrics highlights a study conducted by the University of Montreal and Harvard University (funded by National Institute of Health) that revealed children with higher urinary levels of a chemical called organophosphate were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. ¹ Organophosphates are found in common pesticides that are used on conventional produce crops that are available in grocery stores today. In fact, there are approximately 40 of these pesticides registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Children are said to be most vulnerable to these chemicals due to their smaller body weight and still developing brains. The study in Pediatrics found this to be especially true in children from ages 6 to 11 years of age. They had the highest urinary concentrations of dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites (which are markers of organophosphate exposure) as compared to other age groups in the US population. ¹

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Two other studies, one conducted by Environmental Health Perspectives and the other by The Organic Center, also concluded that there is a definite, measurable amount of pesticide residue found in the urine of children who eat a conventional versus an organic diet, especially from eating fruits and vegetables. ² ³ This is significant news as postnatal organophosphate exposure has been associated with behavioral problems, poorer short-term memory and motor skills and longer reaction times in children. ¹

Most recently, the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity noted the possibility that developmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (such as organophosphate pesticides, monosodium glutamate, and bisphenol A) and other chemical pollutants can play a role in the development of diabetes and childhood obsesity. Some scientists have coined the term "obesogens" for these chemicals because they believe they promote weight gain and obesity. ⁴

In light of the findings of these studies and reports, we are pleased to offer children a great start with our organic, pesticide free, complete nutrition products for both infants and children up to age 13 years. Our Baby's Only Organic^® formulas provide organic nutrition for children up to age 3 years. For toddlers who need added calories, consider offering PediaSmart^®, our complete organic nutritional beverage for children ages 1-13 years.

(1) Maryse F. Bouchard, PhDa,b, David C. Bellinger, PhDa,c, Robert O. Wright, MD, MPHa,d,e, Marc G. Weisskopf, PhDa,e,f. "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides." PEDIATRICS June 2010, pp. e1270-e1277.
(2)Cynthia Curl, Richard Fensker, Kai Elgestun, et al. Organophophate Pesticide Exposure of Urban & Suburban preschool children with Organic & Conventional Diets. Environ Health Perspect. 2003:111(3):377-382.
(3)The Organic Center. Critical Issue Report: Pesticide Dietary Risk. Available at http://www.organic-center.org/tocpdfs/OrganicOptionExecSummary.pdf. Accessed June 11, 2010.
(4) The White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity. Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity within a Generation, May, 2010 can be found at: http://www.letsmove.gov/pdf/TaskForce_on_Childhood_Obesity_May2010_FullReport.pdf

PediaSmart^® Meets ADHD Dietary Guidelines

PediaSmart^® offers a healthy nutritional option to parents who are in search of chemical-free foods for their children with ADHD. This organic complete nutrition beverage is especially ideal for children who are lower in body weight as a result of ADHD medications that suppress the appetite. PediaSmart^® meets the following recommended ADHD diet guidelines:

• No artificial colors or artificial flavors
• No preservatives or food additives
• No artificial sweeteners
• No wheat, barley, rye or other gluten containing ingredients
• No corn, egg or citrus ingredients
• For some children, No dairy: Use PediaSmart^® Soy vanilla
• For some children, No chocolate or caffeine: Use vanilla flavored PediaSmart^® Nutrient Rich Foods Reduce ADHD Symptoms

Other nutritional factors that may improve the symptoms of ADHD include improving the consumption of omega-3 fats, increasing the intake of specific vitamins and minerals and emphasizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good sources of protein. Parents can help their children by avoiding saturated and trans fats, simple sugars that digest rapidly and fast foods. PediaSmart^® contains 29 vitamins and minerals and the protein, fat and carbohydrates necessary for complete nutrition. Below are PediaSmart's nutritional values for the important nutrients that tend to be lacking in diets of children with ADHD:

View Charts

PediaSmart^® Nutrients per 8 fl oz Serving
Nutrients	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Protein (g)	7	14 %
Omega3 Fats (mg)	130	n/a
Vitamin D (IU)	120	30 %
Vitamin B6 (mg)	.62	30 %
Magnesium (mg)	47	10 %
Zinc (mg)	1.4	10 %
Iron (mg)	3.3	20 %

Click to review our PediaSmart^® Soy Nutrition Chart and comparison to PediaSure^® and Bright Beginnings Soy.^®

Improve ADHD Symptoms through the Feingold Diet

Did you know that the brand of ice cream, cookie, and potato chip you select could have a direct effect on the behavior, health, and ability to learn for you or your children? Numerous studies show that certain synthetic food additives can have serious learning, behavior, and/or health effects for sensitive people. The Feingold Program (also known as the Feingold Diet) is a test to determine if certain foods or food additives are triggering particular symptoms. It is basically the way people used to eat before "hyperactivity" and "ADHD" became household words, and before asthma and chronic ear infections became so very common. Learn more at Feingold.org

1. Bouchard, MF, et al. "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and urinary metabolites of organophosphate pesticides," Pediatrics. June, 2010; 125 (6): 1270-1277.