Exploring the Link Between Nutrition and ADHD/Dyslexia: Insights from Latest Book
Rising awareness of ADHD and Dyslexia
In the UK around 2.6 million people (708,000 children, 1,9m adults) have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)[1]. Many areas of the UK have also long backlogs for adult ADHD assessments with around 196,000 people on waiting lists[2].
Dyslexia -difficulties with processing speed, reading and spelling also affects about 1 in 10 people in the UK[3] – so that’s around 6.9 million children and adults[4]. These conditions can also occur together or along with other learning difficulties.
Having ADHD or dyslexia can mean your brain is often working overtime - and nutrition can play a vital role in supporting the brain to function at its best.
Traditional approaches for ADHD/Dyslexia
Typical approaches are to ‘get on with it’. Some may have a formal assessment so that educational or workplace recommendations can be put into place and in the case of ADHD certain medication(s) may be prescribed. Within the recommendations section of formal diagnostic ADHD and dyslexia assessment reports the potential role(s) of nutrition are presently rarely mentioned. Some individuals may begin to develop coping strategies but be utterly exhausted mentally by the time they get home.
Dr Emma Derbyshire Plugs the Gap
Her book “Nutrition for ADHD and Dyslexia: Unlocking the Potential for Learning and Wellbeing” is not a replacement for educational and medical interventions. Its intention is to raise the profile of nutrition and the fundamental role that this can also play in fuelling these wonderful minds.
Nutrition sadly has been largely overlooked until now.
The new book collates evidence from more than 350 peer-reviewed scientific papers and is written in an easy-to-digest, friendly format.
About Dr Emma Derbyshire
The book is written by Internationally renowned Dr Emma Derbyshire, Registered Public Health Nutritionist and formally trained Dyslexia Assessor. Emma also has 10 years’ experience as an award-winning University academic so is familiar with teaching and learning approaches.
Dr Derbyshire has dual expertise within the fields of pregnancy (in utero) nutrition and Public Health Nutrition.
Emma is the also UK lead on the nutrient Choline and has driven awareness of this critically important brain nutrient. Her recent review[5] published in Nutrients Journal on Choline, its role in bran development and ADHD, Dyslexia and Autism Spectrum Disorder is in the top 25% of the Journals research outputs.
Dr. Emma Derbyshire takes a practical, neurodiversity-affirmative approach to optimising ADHD and dyslexic diets for emotional regulation and mental performance.
Press Reviews
Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas, neuroscientist and microbiologist.
"In a world full of conflicting nutritional advice, Dr Derbyshire's book stands out as a beacon of clarity that skilfully bridges the gap between science and practical application, offering a roadmap to using nutrition as a powerful tool to support focus, learning, and emotional balance in those with ADHD and dyslexia. A must-read."
Dr. Tony Lloyd, CEO ADHD Foundation.
"Internationally renowned nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire once again offers practical, neurodiversity-affirmative approach to optimising ADHD and dyslexic diets for emotional regulation and cognitive performance."
Claire Harvey, Head of Education at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity.
"This book demystifies common myths, explains quite complex concepts simply, and provides very tangible, practical suggestions for dietary and nutritional changes. Each chapter concludes with 'Take Home Points' and the Appendices contain valuable food lists and recipes. An all round informative and useful book for any reader with an ADHD or dyslexic individual in their lives."
Now available for pre-order via:
Out from 25th January 2025.
Available from:
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