Pediatric mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate, with increasing numbers of children and adolescents presenting with anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral dysregulation, and sleep disturbances. While psychopharmacology and psychotherapy remain important tools in the therapeutic arsenal, there is growing recognition of the role that nutrition plays in brain development, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. Nutritional psychiatry offers a powerful, evidence-informed framework for addressing mental health concerns in children by leveraging both dietary interventions and targeted nutrient support.
In functional and integrative psychiatry, the relationship between the brain and the body is inseparable. Nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar instability, inflammation, dysbiosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction can all negatively impact a child’s mental health. Given their rapid growth and development—and often nutrient-poor, ultra-processed diets—children are particularly vulnerable to these imbalances. There is evidence that diets higher in processed food are associated with worse mental health in children and adolescents (O’Neil et al., 2014).
Key Nutrients for Pediatric Mental Health
Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for optimal brain function (Muscaritoli, 2021). Deficiencies in these nutrients have been associated with a range of psychiatric symptoms, from irritability and inattention to low mood and cognitive delays. B vitamins—including folate, B6, and B12—are necessary for neurotransmitter synthesis and methylation, and certain genetic variants (e.g., MTHFR polymorphisms) may increase susceptibility to deficiency or impaired utilization (Mitchell et al., 2014).
Food as Medicine: A Foundational Strategy
While nutraceuticals and supplements can be powerful, food remains a foundational leveraging point in pediatric mental health care. The elimination of problematic foods—such as artificial food dyes, high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, and common allergens—can significantly improve mood, behavior, and focus in vulnerable children. Simultaneously, the inclusion of nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods supports neurological and psychological resilience.
Polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (especially omega-3s from wild-caught fish), high-quality proteins, fermented foods, and mineral-rich foods can enhance neurotransmitter function, regulate blood sugar, support gut integrity, and reduce oxidative stress. These dietary patterns also nourish the microbiome, further supporting the gut-brain axis—an area of critical importance in pediatric populations, particularly those with both GI and psychiatric symptoms.
Teaching families to view food not only as fuel but as a therapeutic agent empowers them to take an active role in their child’s mental health. Even small, incremental changes in dietary quality can yield meaningful improvements in mood, attention, and behavior.
Conclusion
Nutritional psychiatry invites providers to reframe how they approach childhood mental health—moving beyond symptom suppression towards a more holistic pursuit of restoring balance. By emphasizing the power of whole foods and integrating personalized nutrition into treatment plans, clinicians can unlock the full potential of the mind-body connection and foster lasting wellness in their pediatric patients.
Want to learn effective nutritional and functional interventions to help your pediatric patients? Join Dr. Greenblatt for the comprehensive Pediatric Fellowship in Functional Medicine for providers!
References
Mitchell ES, Conus N, Kaput J. B vitamin polymorphisms and behavior: evidence of associations with neurodevelopment, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and cognitive decline. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014 Nov;47:307-20. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.006. Epub 2014 Aug 27. PMID: 25173634.
Muscaritoli M. The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being: Insights From the Literature. Front Nutr. 2021 Mar 8;8:656290. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.656290. PMID: 33763446; PMCID: PMC7982519.
O’Neil A, Quirk SE, Housden S, Brennan SL, Williams LJ, Pasco JA, Berk M, Jacka FN. Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Am J Public Health. 2014 Oct;104(10):e31-42. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302110. PMID: 25208008; PMCID: PMC4167107.
