Restrictive Diets May Improve ADHD Symptoms in Children

Photo Courtesy - Getty Images(THE NETHERLANDS) -- Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder -- known as ADHD -- is the most common psychiatric disorder in children.  It has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in the U.S., and there is controversy over the widening use of drugs to treat its symptoms among the young.

ADHD has been diagnosed in 5.4 million children as of 2007.  The foremost symptoms are inattention, overactivity and impulsive behavior. The cause of ADHD is unknown.

But a recent study, published in the British journal Lancet, suggests that in some cases, ADHD may be triggered by certain foods.  So it may respond to what is called a "restricted elimination diet." That means removing foods one by one from a patient's diet until the food or foods causing symptoms is discovered.

Of the 50 children with ADHD who had five weeks of a restricted diet, 32 showed improvement in symptoms -- compared to none of 50 other children not placed on the diet. When certain foods were re-introduced to 30 children who had responded to the diet therapy, 19 had a relapse of symptoms.

The authors conclude that diet modification should be considered for kids with ADHD.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio 

FDA to Restrict Acetaminophen Content in Prescription Drugs

Photo Courtesy - Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Thursday asked drug manufacturers to limit the strength of acetaminophen, a drug commonly used in both prescription and over-the-counter medications, in their products.  Combination prescription medications will be allowed to include no more than 325 mg of acetaminophen in each tablet or capsule.

The FDA's decision to restrict the drug's content level comes from acetaminophen's risk of severe liver injury as well as its associated allergic reactions.

Additionally, manufacturers of products containing acetaminophen will now be required to include a boxed warning emphasizing the potential risk of liver toxicity and a warning listing the drug's potential allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, itching or rash.

The agency highlights that the action will only affect prescription medications (e.g., Vicodin, Lortab).  Over-the-counter products used to reduce pain and fever (e.g., Tylenol) were not included in the FDA's decision.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio