Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually diagnosed in childhood and is characterized by an inability to focus, over-activity and uncontrollable behavior. There is no cure for ADHD and treatment usually involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy and education. The use of vitamin, mineral and alternative supplements as treatment for ADHD is an emerging field of research. At this time, research is minimal to supplemental treatments in reducing ADHD symptoms; however, some supplements may help on a case-by-case basis.
Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, which naturally occur in fish and flaxseed, are necessary for proper brain function. There have been multiple studies about the connection between fatty acid supplementation and reduction in ADHD symptoms, however, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), findings are inconclusive and the connection is still being investigated. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health says that essential fatty acids are safe and "...they may be worth trying, despite the lack of definitive data."
Magnesium and Vitamin B6
An article published in 2004 in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" by French researchers in the Department of Pediatry at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nimes studied the connection between magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation and ADHD. Magnesium is a mineral involved with multiple metabolic responses and vitamin B6 plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve protection. Researchers concluded supplementation of magnesium and B6 reduced hyperexcitability in children, which could have implications for treating ADHD.
Iron
According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, iron deficiency can cause behavior problems in children. Researchers in France at the Hôpital Robert Debré published a study in 2008 in "Pediatric Neurology" that looked at the effect of iron supplementation on children with ADHD. The study concluded that iron therapy is well-tolerated and daily supplementation of 80 mg of iron appeared to improve ADHD symptoms.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and according to the UMMC, up to 25 percent of children with ADHD have sleep disorders. In an article published in 2010 in "The Annuls of Pharmacotherapy," researchers from Duke University Hospital reviewed existing literature on the use of melatonin to treat insomnia in children and adolescents with ADHD. Their findings suggest that melatonin treatment is well-tolerated and effective in pediatric patients, but larger studies are needed to establish the long-term safety and dosing of the supplement.
Zinc
The UMMC says that zinc helps metabolize neurotransmitters that play a role in ADHD, and zinc deficiency is linked to some cases of the condition. Long-term supplementation of zinc can cause side effects and has not been confirmed as an effective treatment for ADHD.
Additional Supplements
Other supplements have been used to alleviate ADHD symptoms include hypericum (St. John's Wort), ginseng, ginkgo biloba and pine bark extract. According to the UMMC, existing evidence does not support the effectiveness of these supplements.
References
- "The Annuls of Pharmacotherapy"; Melatonin treatmenet for insomnia in pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; L.M. Bendz, A.C. Scates; January 2010
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Kids with ADD may benefit from alternative therapies
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Magnesium VitB6 intake reduces central nervous system hyperexcitability in children; M. Mousain-Bosc, et al.; October 2004
- "Pediatric Neurology"; Effects of iron supplementation on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children"; E. Konofal, et al.; January 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - Other Treatments
