Food preferences, food neophobia and chemosensation among adolescents with ADHD

Aim It has been suggested that adolescents diagnosed with ADHD have an unhealthier diet compared to their peers without ADHD. The association between chemosensation (smell and taste) and dietary patterns remains unknown. The aim is to investigate unhealthy food preferences and food neophobic behaviour among adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Additionally, it is to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and chemosensory function. Methods We enrolled 36 adolescents with and without ADHD to complete a food item and a food neophobia questionnaire and to undergo chemosensory testing. Results Adolescents with ADHD performed significantly worse on both chemosensory tests compared to the non-ADHD group. No difference in food preferences nor food neophobia was found between the two groups. Conclusion Adolescents with ADHD have a lower score on chemosensory tests compared to their peers, suggesting impaired chemosensory function. No differences in dietary preferences nor food neophobia were seen between the two groups.