Since the world’s first IVF baby was born in 1978, thousands of children were conceived with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF), an assisted reproductive technology where the sperm and egg are combined in a lab to form embryos. Although research and emerging technologies have improved the success rate of IVF, one lingering question remains – do children born through IVF grow up as healthy as those conceived the old-fashioned way?

A new study seems to have found an answer to this question.  Based on the data gathered, children conceived through IVF have similar and sometimes better health than others. They were just as productive, were able to from college and/or obtain stable jobs, and had above average physical performance.  However, the researchers also noted that these kids are at greater risk for several chronic diseases than traditionally-born children.  IVF babies are 11 times more likely to get diagnosed with life-long psychological disorders like depression and ADHD. This study, which can be found in Fertility and Sterility’s February 2010 issue, involved the participation of 173 young adults aged 18 – 26, who are also some of the first IVF-born babies in the United States.  All the participants were born between 1981 and 1990 at Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine, which is also where Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, was born.

Other highlights of the study include:

• Smoking was less likely in the IVF-born young adults, but the females reported more incidences of binge drinking (consuming at least five drinks within two hours)
• Two thirds of the IVF participants were diagnosed with a physical condition (vision problems, asthma, allergies), which were often connected with psychiatric conditions
• Over 33% of the participants were diagnosed with ADHD, which is higher than the 3-5% known to affect all children. The same was observed in the rate of depression, which was 16% compared to 13% of naturally-conceived adolescents.

Although the researchers could not establish why IVF seems to be a risk factor for ADHD, it’s possible that the depression, binge drinking, and behavioral problems are due to high levels of stress from the parents who went through the IVF procedure.  But don’t get discouraged from getting IVF if you or your spouse has ADHD and are afraid that you might pass it on to your child. A risk factor only means that there’s a higher chance that your child will get the disorder; it doesn’t guarantee the onset of the disorder.   Here are some tips that can protect your child from developing childhood ADHD.

Breastfeed your baby

Human breast milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which form the brain’s structure and the nerve endings of neurons.  According to a study by the American Sociological association, not being breastfed increases the risk of childhood ADHD.

Eat mostly organic foods

Toxins from the food we eat and the environment we live in can also trigger the onset of ADHD. Children and babies have weaker immune systems than adults and cannot fight off the brain-damaging effects of these toxins as well as adults. You don’t need to turn completely organic – just look for organic alternatives to the 12 most contaminated vegetables and fruits.

Restrict junk food

Junk food not only contributes to nutritional deficiencies; it’s also laden with artificial additives, which have been found to trigger ADHD symptoms.  You don’t have to forbid your child from eating junk, but limit this to an occasional treat. You might also want to watch out for artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavoring in food items like ketchup, mayonnaise, and chocolate.

Encourage exercise

Children today don’t get enough exercise, which is a shame. Exercise is the cheapest and easiest way to prevent ADHD or to reduce ADHD symptoms.  Encourage your child to spend more time playing outdoors, or bring up the possibility of taking up sports.