ADD, or attention deficit disorder, and ADHD, or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, are the names given to a group of behaviors in children and adults alike. Children with ADD are often labeled as "difficult" or "problem" children and can suffer because of it. The conventional treatments for ADD and ADHD involve pharmaceutical drugs that some parents may not want to use in their children, and alternative medical treatments are being researched. It is important to talk with your child's doctor before starting any treatments involving nutritional products.
Omega-3
According to a study published in the pediatric journal Acta Paediatrica, ADD and ADHD symptoms can be relieved using essential fatty acids. In this study EPA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids, was shown to reduce oppositional symptoms and improve teacher-related behavior. In this study, 0.5g of EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, was given daily.
B Vitamins
B complex vitamins, especially B6, are often found to be deficient in children with ADD or ADHD, according to Natural Eye Care. Supplementation of high levels of B vitamins can help to increase your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and a high dose of vitamin B6, in one study, was shown to be more effective than methylphenidate, commonly sold as Ritalin. The effective dose of vitamin B6 in this study was extremely high and could potentially cause nerve damage, although none was seen in this study. For that reason it is best to talk with your doctor before beginning this type of therapy.
Magnesium
Many children and adults who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD are severely magnesium-deficient. Supplementation with magnesium calms and relaxes your physical body and your nervous system. This allows you to be more calm and relaxed and also to get deeper, more satisfying sleep.
