Not all proteins are the same. 

There are animal protein and plant-based proteins.

Animal protein is often regarded as more superior to plant-based protein because animal protein boasts it contains all essential amino acids. In comparison, plant-based proteins are usually missing one or two amino acids. 

However, that does not make plant-based protein inferior. Plant-based protein still has many health benefits that animal protein does not have, such as antioxidants and fiber. 

Whether a food is good or not should be determined by what benefits and harms it can do to the body, or in our case, the ADHD brain.

Let’s start with some common animal and protein sources. 

Animal protein: chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, beef, pork, lamb, bison, duck, organ meat, and eggs.

Plant protein: nuts, seeds, beans, grains and vegetables

These are all great sources of protein. However, someone on a vegan diet has to eat a bigger volume and variety of these plant-based protein to meet all the essential amino acids needed by the body. 

Animal protein not only contains a higher content of all the essential amino acid, it also contains vitamins D and B12, not found in plant-based protein. 

Animal protein also contains essential fatty acid that the ADHD brain needs, such as DHA and EPA, which makes up 10% of the brain tissue.

One of the many underlying causes of ADHD is the low dopamine (a brain chemical that helps with focus and other bodily functions) level. The body makes dopamine from the amino acid tyrosine. Beef, pork, lamb, and poultry are all excellent sources of tyrosine. 

Eating a vegan plant-based diet may not be sufficient to support the body’s need to make enough brain chemicals important for proper brain functions. 

Besides, nuts, seeds and beans contain lectin, which can harm the intestinal lining of susceptible individuals. Lectin can block the absorption of precious minerals, such as iron, calcium, and zinc. Plant-based protein is also deficient in vitamin D and B12, both of which are common nutrient deficiencies in people with ADHD and are only found in animal protein sources. 

Lectins may also disrupt the natural balance of the gut flora and contribute to leaky gut. If you experience digestive problems, such as gas and bloating when eating a vegan diet or eating nuts, beans, seeds, and grains, you may choose to either prepare those foods differently or remove them from your diet entirely.

You can reduce lectin in your diet by soaking, sprouting, fermenting, cooking or heating nuts, beans, seeds and grains for an extended period.

In summary, a real food plant-based diet that includes animal protein is the best for both adults and kids with ADHD. 

Just because animal protein is best for people with ADHD doesn’t mean you cannot eat plant-based protein. You should eat unprocessed protein from both animal and plant-based protein.