Melda KANGALGİL, Zehra SİNCAR, Elif ABANOZ
İnönü Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksek Okulu Dergisi - 2026;14(2):291-300
Ultra-processed foods, characterized by high levels of saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium, but and low levels of protein, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients, contain various components that may be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to examine the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and ADHD symptoms. This cross-sectional study included healthy children aged 11 to 14 years. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the revised Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS-RS). Ultra-processed food consumption was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire based on the NOVA classification. Among 101 children (mean age was 12.3+/-0.8 years), 57.4% were girls. The median daily intake of ultra-processed foods was 293.2 (156.1-663.7) g/day. Children in the highest quartile of ultra-processed food consumption had significantly longer screen time and sleep duration (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant association was found between ultra-processed food consumption and ADHD symptoms in this sample (p>0.05). Further well-designed studies that control for potential confounding factors are needed to clarify the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and ADHD.
