The research by Stevens and Burgess and colleagues does find a range of
variation in expression of ADHD, and the "worst cases" shows other signs of
abnormal fatty acid metabolism such as dry skin and mucous membranes.  It
may be that abnormal fatty acid metabolism has a genetic component, or
several genetic components -- AND an environmental component, or several
environmental components.  Certainly being fed formula without DHA and
other polyunsaturated fatty acids would not help a child who already had
abnormal fatty acid metabolism.  Rowland's research suggests environmental
toxins -- these may interact with "susceptible genotypes" to produce ADHD.

Before people get all defensive and say "Well, I breastfed my child for X
number of months or years and s/he still has ADHD" remember that as with
most diseases/conditions, breastfeeding or not breastfeeding is only one of
many factors.  A child who was breastfed for many years and still has ADHD
(or autism, or diabetes, or multiple sclerosis, or asthma, or whatever) may
have been much worse if they had been formula-fed.  We'll never know, since
we can't turn back the clock.  But to say that there are some kids who were
breastfed and still end up with ADHD is NOT to say that there isn't some
relationship between lack of breast milk and the diagnosis of ADHD, or
between lack of breast milk and the severity of the condition.

Remember my analogy of the blocks and the string?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.                         email:
[log in to unmask]
Anthropology Department                               phone: (409) 845-5256
Texas A&M University                                    fax: (409) 845-4070
College Station, TX  77843-4352
http://www.prairienet.org/laleche/dettwyler.html

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