Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.
The RED diet is a ‘few foods diet’. RED stands for 'Restricted Elimination Diet' and is a diet aimed at children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder).
The goal of the diet is to investigate whether ADHD and/or ODD is/are caused by nutrition. It is important to mention that at the moment research into the working mechanisms of the RED diet is being carried out at Wageningen University (link). Hopefully this research will lead to a simpler diet and that in the future the RED diet will no longer be necessary.
On the homepage you can compare this diet with other diets.
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The RED diet is a restricted elimination diet. This means that all foods that could cause ADHD or ODD are avoided for 5 weeks. When a child does not show any behavioural improvements, it can eat everything again and medication is often necessary. However, when the child does show significant behavioural improvements after following the RED diet, all foods are reintroduced into the diet in stages. This is done to find out which foods the child is sensitive to.
The first phase of the diet is very limited and lasts a maximum of 5 weeks. Only a few products can be eaten, for example rice, various vegetables, turkey and some fruits. If the child's behaviour improves in this phase, you can proceed to the second phase.
In the second phase, products are gradually added back into the diet. This process can take up to 1.5 years. As soon as food products to which the child responds have been identified, the third phase can start. This phase focuses on avoiding the identified foods.
Each child (that shows improved behaviour in the first phase) ends up with an individually formulated diet. In general, there are about 5 food products that must be eliminated.
The RED diet is an individual diet, which means that the diet differs per individual. It is a diagnostic process which takes into account environmental factors and medication. The RED diet should always be carried out under supervision and is a fixed part of the PVG (Pelsser nutrition and behaviour) examination.
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The diet can be difficult to maintain, because a lot of products are excluded in the first phase of the diet. Parents must therefore be very motivated.
The above text was produced in cooperation with Dr Pelsser. If you have a son with ADHD, aged 8 to 10, he may be eligible to take part in the BRAIN study. Read more on this Dutch website.
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As you see fit
With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.
Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.