Children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could see some relief from symptoms if they change their diets.

That's according to a paper published last week in The Lancet, which revealed that certain foods and additives can make symptoms worse for some children.

Researchers put 50 children with ADHD on a restricted elimination diet, consisting of foods with the smallest chance of causing an allergic reaction. The basic menu of rice, meat, vegetables, pears and water was tailored according to each child's preference. Another group of 50 children weren't put on a diet, but were asked to record everything they ate and given advice on healthy eating.

The Guardian reported that of the children who completed the five-week restricted diet, 78 per cent saw their behaviour improve. Those children who didn't have their diets restricted didn't experience any improvement in behaviour.

It's useful news for those in dietitian jobs, as it shows how they can help children with ADHD manage their symptoms through their diet.

"We think that dietary intervention should be considered in all children with ADHD," said researchers. "Children who react favourably to this diet should be diagnosed with food-induced ADHD. They should enter a challenge procedure to define which foods each child reacts to, increase the feasibility and minimise the burden of the diet."