The Integrative RDN: Integrative Treatment Approaches to ADHD: The Power of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins

This product is free for DIFM DPG members.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders of childhood. Prevalence of the condition has increased from 6.1% in 1998 to 10.2% in 2016 in the United States. Standard treatment recommendations for ADHD include both pharmacological and behavioral therapies which mostly ignore the majority of the causes. Focusing on treatments with more tolerable side effect profiles than stimulants could also be helpful for treatment compliance. One potential treatment option that has been slowly building evidence of efficacy is the supplementation of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). OPCs are found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants, some of which have a long history of medicinal use.

CPE Level: 2
CPEU: 1.0 (valid until March 28, 2027)

Performance Indicators:

• 9.1.2 Integrates knowledge of biological, physical, and social sciences with knowledge of food and nutrition to make decisions related to nutrition care.
• 9.2.1 Engages in educational activities to maintain knowledge and to obtain new knowledge of diseases and clinical conditions.
• 1.1.5 Integrates new knowledge and skills into practice.
• 5.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Readers will be able to identify the factors contributing to the development of ADHD.
• Readers will be able to explain the relationship between OPCs and Vitamin C.
• Readers will be able to describe the mechanisms of action of pine bark in immune, inflammatory, vascular, and neuronal systems.