| Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as | | | | iron deficiency may increase hyperactive behavior and |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is an | | | | other attention deficit disorder symptoms. |
| issue that more and more parents are dealing with | | | | Vitamins, especially the B family complex (Thiamin, |
| every year. Thousands of children are being diagnosed | | | | Riboflavin, Niacin, and Pyridoxine) are very useful in the |
| with attention deficit disorder every year, a major | | | | treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. |
| behavioral disorder that strains family relationships, | | | | Many B complex vitamins must be taken together in |
| hinders learning abilities and future productivity. | | | | order to work properly in the body. Vitamin B is vital to |
| Attention Deficit Disorder causes forgetfulness and | | | | the development of brain chemicals that synthesize |
| difficulty in managing problems or tasks for many | | | | serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine for normal |
| children, and adults, as well as learning disabilities that | | | | brain development. The American Academy of Child |
| result from an inability to focus. The exact causes of | | | | and Adolescent Psychiatry states that megavitamins |
| attention deficit disorder, or attention deficit | | | | taken in excess of the daily recommended allowance |
| hyperactivity disorder, have been studied for years, | | | | could enhance learning and reduce hyperactivity in |
| though only recently has the disorder been linked to | | | | those suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder. |
| allergies and the disturbances of cell membranes. | | | | Vitamin B6 has been used in the treatment of ADD |
| Other factors have been linked to the condition as well, | | | | symptoms to reduce the more common attention |
| including smoking during pregnancy, exposure to lead | | | | deficit disorder symptoms, including impulsiveness, lack |
| and other heavy metals. Diet is another key factor. | | | | of concentration and excessive physical activity |
| Scientists have studied the link between the benefits | | | | combined with an extremely limited attention span. |
| of Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of attention | | | | It has long been believed that nutritional supplements, in |
| deficit hyperactivity disorder symtpotms and found: | | | | addition to the reduction of simple sugars in the diets of |
| - Animals deprived of Omega-3 fatty acids become | | | | affected children, are beneficial to the treatment of |
| hyperactive | | | | attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Doctors and |
| - Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to brain growth | | | | physicians are attempting to shy away from |
| - Children who are breast fed experience lower rates | | | | immediately prescribing chemicals and medications to |
| of ADD/ADHD (Breast milk contains Omega-3 fatty | | | | hyperactive children and are encouraging parents to |
| acids) | | | | first try a change of diet and increasing the amount of |
| - Omega-3 fatty acids impact hormones and | | | | vitamins and minerals in the child's diet before more |
| chemicals in the brain | | | | drastic measures are taken. |
| In many cases, properly balanced and nutritious diets | | | | Living with Attention Deficit Disorder is not easy, and |
| improve attention deficit disorder symptoms in children, | | | | neither is trying to find the best way to deal with each |
| as do Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. In addition, | | | | individual case. What works for some may not work |
| children suffering from iron deficiencies show an | | | | for others, however perhaps it is wise to first try a |
| increased risk of acquiring Attention Deficit Disorder. | | | | natural approach to attention deficit disorder treatment |
| Iron, a coenzyme, is necessary for immunity and | | | | before pumping our children full of medications and |
| thyroid development in children, and it is believed that | | | | chemicals that may have adverse affects later on. |