Reducing ultra-processed foods to improve attention and thinking in children with ADHD
Official title: Relationship Between Ultra-processed Food Consumption and Behavioral Disorder and Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents: the Mediation Role of Plasticizer
Run by China Medical University Hospital · NCT07465081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try an online nutrition course to see if cutting back on ultra-processed foods helps thinking and attention in 10–15-year-olds with ADHD or attention difficulties.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 154 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07465081 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 10–15-year-olds diagnosed with ADHD or identified as having attention/learning difficulties who consume at least six types or six servings of ultra-processed foods daily.
✕Probably not a fit
Children outside the 10–15 age range, those who do not regularly consume ultra-processed foods, or those whose attention problems stem mainly from non-dietary medical causes may be unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional program enrolls 10- to 15-year-olds with diagnosed ADHD or identified attention/learning difficulties who regularly consume multiple ultra-processed foods daily. Participants are assigned to a 12-week, weekly online nutritional education course that encourages replacing ultra-processed foods with whole foods, or to a non-intervention comparison group. Cognitive function and attention measures are compared between groups to determine whether reduced ultra-processed food intake leads to improvement. Dietary intake and adherence are monitored through parent/participant reports during the intervention period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, reducing ultra-processed foods could improve attention and cognitive functioning in affected children and adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Observational studies have linked high ultra-processed food intake to poorer cognition and behavior, but randomized interventions in young people with ADHD are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 10-15 years old * Diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or identified as having learning difficulties based on a specialist's or teacher's recommendation. * \>=six types or six servings of ultra-processed foods daily Exclusion Criteria: \- Younger than 10 years old or older than 15 years old
Where it's running
-
China Medical University Hospital
Taichung, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yi-Chen Huang, PhD
- Email: yichenhuang@mail.cmu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886422053366
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.