There’s no evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet can help people with ADHD. However, it might be beneficial if a person has ADHD and celiac disease.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can cause inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

While following a gluten-free diet may not directly help a person with ADHD manage symptoms, it may be useful if a person also has celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own tissues when a person consumes gluten.

Read on for more information about ADHD and gluten-free diets, as well as the relationship between ADHD and celiac disease, the possible risks of gluten-free diets, and more.

There is no research to support following a gluten-free diet for the management of ADHD.

This means that doctors are unlikely to recommend following a gluten-free diet unless the individual also has celiac disease.

According to a 2023 review, some people following a gluten-free diet saw an improvement in the severity of neuropsychiatric manifestations. This suggests that eliminating gluten from the diet may help improve mental health and brain-related symptoms in people with celiac disease. These symptoms can include:

  • ataxia, or problems with balance and coordination
  • neuropathy, or problems with the nerves
  • cognitive disorders, which can affect thinking, memory, and problem solving
  • dementia

If a person also has ADHD and they eliminate gluten, they may see some improvement with neuropsychiatric symptoms caused by celiac disease, but the diet is not directly treating ADHD.

It is unclear exactly how many people with ADHD also have celiac disease. However, a 2022 review suggests that there is an association between the two conditions.

Currently, doctors do not routinely test for celiac disease in people with ADHD. As such, doctors do not commonly recommend gluten-free diets for people with ADHD.

If a person has ADHD and celiac disease, their doctor will recommend following a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods containing gluten, which is mainly in wheat, rye, and barley.

Your doctor or a registered dietitian can provide information about foods you should avoid on a gluten-free diet. Some examples of foods to avoid include:

  • breads, cereals, and grains made from wheat, barley, oats, or rye, which can include:
    • crackers
    • cookies
    • cakes
    • other baked goods
    • couscous
    • most pastas
  • canned soups
  • creamed vegetables
  • products containing food starch or modified food starch
  • processed meats
  • processed cheeses
  • whiskey, gin, and beer
  • malted milk and flavored coffees

As the gluten-free diet involves eliminating a lot of foods, it comes with risks. The diet could lead to deficiencies in macronutrients and micronutrients, particularly in children.

A child should only follow a gluten-free diet with the advice and guidance of a medical professional.

Dietary changes are not a first line treatment for ADHD. However, some dietary changes may help with managing symptoms.

For example, it may be best to avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those in candy and sodas, as they can affect behavior and attention span.

There may be links between casein, a protein in milk, and increased ADHD symptoms. However, more research on this is necessary.

Speak with a doctor for more information on whether they recommend any dietary changes for helping manage ADHD.

Doctors do not routinely test for celiac disease in people with ADHD. However, they may order tests if there are symptoms such as:

Tests for celiac disease can include:

  • blood test
  • biopsy of the small intestine
  • skin biopsy
  • genetic testing

It is best to contact a doctor if symptoms of celiac disease develop. The symptoms are nonspecific, which means that there are many possible causes. The doctor will need to order tests to confirm a celiac disease diagnosis and rule out other possible causes.

You should also contact a doctor if you are considering a gluten-free diet. It is important to follow the diet under a doctor’s care, particularly for children, as it can lead to deficiencies. They may refer you to a registered dietitian.

There is no evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet can help with ADHD. However, it can help manage celiac disease. Some people with ADHD also have celiac disease.

A gluten-free diet involves eliminating foods containing gluten, such as breads, grains, cereals, processed meats and cheeses, and more.

It is important to speak with your doctor before trying a gluten-free diet. It may not be suitable for children, particularly if they do not have celiac disease or a need to remove gluten from their diet.