Examining ultra-processed food consumption and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children living in Kuwait.

Introduction: The meteoric rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in our diets has become a global public health concern. In Kuwait, globalization has led to a shift in dietary patterns increasing reliance on UPFs, particularly among children. UPFs have been shown to stimulate the brain's reward-system making them especially relevant to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) related behaviors such as impulsivity and reward-seeking. Although determining the direction of the relationship between ADHD and UPF consumption is difficult, limited evidence, particularly in Kuwait, has examined this association during childhood. Methods: A cross-sectional study using the SNAP-IV and NOVA based ultra-processed food frequency questionnaire were used to examine the relationship between ultra-processed food intake and ADHD behavioral outcomes in Kuwaiti children between the ages 6 and 12. Results: A total of Discussion: These findings highlight the harmful behavioral association between ultra-processed food consumption and child development. Higher intake of synthetic ingredients is associated with increased ADHD symptom severity in this general population of Kuwaiti children. These results along with growing evidence highlight the need for urgent interventions. Public policy action is needed to restrict and regulate ultra-processed foods and artificial ingredients in Kuwait.