High Ultra-Processed Food Consumption but No Association with Quality of Life in Saudi Children and Adolescents with ADHD.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Dietary interventions can potentially control ADHD symptoms, providing a non-pharmacological approach that may improve the quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between ultra-processed food intake (UPF) and QoL in children and adolescents with ADHD in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 128 participants (66% males and 33% females) diagnosed with ADHD, aged 8-18 years, were assessed. A validated Saudi food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake; the degree of food processing was assessed using a novel classification system. The health-related QoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. RESULTS: Both the child (57.83 ± 18.12) and parent perspectives (57.97 ± 16.09) of QOL scores were lower than those of healthy norms across all domains. (p-value < 0.0001). The UPF represented the largest proportion of total energy intake (48.76 ± 13.40%), followed by unprocessed or minimally processed foods (39.80 ± 13.35%). Parent- and child-reported QoL scores were strongly correlated (p < 0.0001); both were significantly lower than the healthy normative values across all domains (p < 0.0001). Higher parental educational attainment was associated with better QoL scores from both the child's and parents' perspectives (p = 0.049 and p = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with ADHD demonstrated high consumption of UPF and significantly lower QoL scores than healthy norms. No significant association was observed between UPF intake and QoL scores. Further studies are needed to better understand the factors influencing dietary quality and QoL among children and adolescents with ADHD.