| Studies have shown that children with Attention Deficit | | | | Food rich in zinc and magnesium include ginger root, |
| Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) often have proven | | | | shrimps, turnips, garlic, raisings, wheatgerm, and beans. |
| vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Because of these | | | | The vitamin B complex is an important component of |
| findings, many research in recent years have focused | | | | optimal brain function and development. Sources of this |
| on investigating the role of vitamin and mineral | | | | vitamin are mung beans, alfalfa, lentil sprouts, tuna, |
| supplementation in the treatment of ADHD in children. | | | | asparagus, cabbage, tomatoes, mackerel, margarine, |
| But do these ADHD vitamin supplements help in | | | | eggs, and cheese. |
| reducing the symptoms in children? | | | | Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is important for improving your |
| ADHD, which is a disorder of inattention, distractibility, | | | | child's focus and concentration. Vitamin B3, or niacin, is |
| impulsivity, and hyperactivity, affects an estimated 3 to | | | | important to balance blood sugar levels. Improving |
| 5% of school-aged children. Investigations into the | | | | blood sugar level helps control the impulsivity and |
| nutritional status of these children showed that they | | | | restlessness seen in children with this disorder. Studies |
| often suffer from nutritional deficiencies which might be | | | | have also shown niacin to be helpful in alleviating |
| the cause of their symptoms or are aggravated by | | | | symptoms of schizophrenia. Vitamin B6 improves |
| them. The most common vitamin and mineral | | | | serotonin levels in the brain. Low levels of serotonin |
| deficiencies found are those of the minerals zinc and | | | | leads to lethargy and depression. Vitamin B12 is also |
| magnesium and of members of the vitamin B complex. | | | | needed. Since our daily dose of vitamin B12 is readily |
| ADHD vitamin supplements help correct or improve | | | | available in our diet, supplementation is needed only |
| symptoms in children and adolescents with theADHD. | | | | when the child is a vegetarian. |
| Vitamin and mineral supplementation is usually coupled | | | | The essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, are |
| with dietary and lifestyle changes, behavioral | | | | important in brain function. Essential fatty acids are |
| intervention, and homeopathy. With the increasing | | | | converted to DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is |
| understanding on the relationship between diet and | | | | needed for optimal brain function and mental |
| brain function, more and more persons with the | | | | performance in children. Experts believe that |
| hyperactivity disorder are taking vitamin supplements. | | | | deficiencies come about not only because of |
| Zinc and magnesium are the nutrients most commonly | | | | inadequate intake, but also because the needs of |
| found to be deficient in people with this ADHD. Zinc is | | | | these children are higher and their absorption is poor. |
| an important component of optimal functioning of the | | | | These children are also unable to convert these fatty |
| brain and nervous system. Thus, it is commonly | | | | acids into DHA. Food sources include cold-water fish, |
| referred to as the intelligence mineral. Children with zinc | | | | like tuna, and vegetable oils. |
| deficiencies are less responsive to stimulant drugs. | | | | If you want to start your child on a supplement/diet |
| Recommended zinc intake per day is 15 mg. | | | | program, it is recommended that you contact a |
| Magnesium is involved in harmonizing brain function. | | | | nutritional advisor. The effectiveness of a supplement |
| People with low levels of magnesium are noted to be | | | | program is enhanced when coupled with other |
| fidgety, anxious, restless, and show coordination | | | | therapies. A supplement program can likewise be |
| problems and learning difficulties. Supplementing with | | | | started even when your child is on prescription |
| 200mg of magnesium for six months is shown to | | | | stimulants. Results from several clinical trials have |
| significantly improve symptoms of hyperactivity in | | | | shown that, indeed, ADHD vitamin supplements help |
| children. | | | | enhance the effects of these prescription stimulants. |