Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, causes problems with sustaining attention and controlling behavior that can affect normal functioning. Between 3 and 7 percent of the school-aged population have ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The symptoms of ADHD can continue into adulthood. Indeed, an estimated 4.1 percent of American adults have the disorder, the National Institute of Mental Health notes. While traditional treatments for ADHD include medication and psychotherapy, you may consider alternative treatments, such as supplements, for you or your child. Before starting any supplement treatment for ADHD, consult your doctor.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 plays a role in the production and use of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Altered levels of these neurotransmitters may contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. The University of Michigan Health System notes that 15 to 30 mg of vitamin B-6 supplements per 2.2 lbs. of body weight given daily provided better results in ADHD patients with low levels of serotonin than the ADHD medication methylphenidate. Don't take or give vitamin B-6 supplements to your child without consulting your doctor, as the amount of vitamin B-6 that may benefit ADHD patients could result in nerve damage.
Magnesium
Magnesium supplements may improve the symptoms of ADHD. A deficit in magnesium can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such as attention problems and irritability. The University of Michigan Health System notes that when children with ADHD who had a magnesium deficit took 200 mg of magnesium a day over six months, they had a decrease in hyperactivity compared to ADHD patients who had a deficit but did not receive supplements. Talk to your doctor before starting magnesium supplements for ADHD.
Zinc
Zinc also plays a role in the neurotransmitters linked to ADHD. L. Eugene Arnold, M.D., and Robert A. DiSilvestro, Ph.D., authors of "Zinc in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder," explain that zinc regulates the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid and indirectly regulates dopamine by producing melatonin. When children with ADHD took 15 mg of zinc per day over a six week period, they had less behavioral problems when compared to patients who took a placebo, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Before taking zinc for ADHD or giving it to your child, talk to your doctor, as large amounts of the supplements can become dangerous.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may improve symptoms of ADHD. FIsh oil is a beneficial source of omega-3. And evening primrose oil is an excellent source for omega-6. ADHD symptoms may result from a deficit in these fatty acids, as they can affect the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, according to Harvard Health Publications. When ADHD patients took an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, such as 480 mg of docosahexaenoic acid or 186 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid; or an omega-6 fatty acid supplement, such as 42 mg of arachidonic acid, 864 mg of linoleic acid or 96 mg of gamma-linolenic acid, they had a reduction of behavioral and cognitive symptoms compared to ADHD patients who took a placebo, the University of Michigan Health System notes . Since large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can increase your risk of bleeding, consult your doctor before taking these supplements.
L-carnitine
Another supplement that may decrease the symptoms of ADHD is L-carnitine. When boys with ADHD used 100 mg of L-carnitine supplements per 2.2 lbs. of their body weight a day over eight weeks, 54 percent of them had an improvement, compared to 13 percent of the control group that used a placebo, according to the University of Michigan Health System. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that the safety of L-carnitine has not been studied in children. Before using L-carnitine for ADHD, talk to your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- University of Michigan Health System: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
- Harvard Health Publications: Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD, Data and Statistics
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- "Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology"; Zinc in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; L. Eugene Arnold, M.D., and Robert A. DiSilvestro, Ph.D.; August 2005
