If your child has ADHD, he is one of the 5.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 who has the disorder, according to 2007 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Depending on the subtype of ADHD that your child has, he may have problems paying attention during class or he may fidget often. Traditional treatment for ADHD includes medications and psychotherapy, though you may consider an alternative treatment, such as vitamins. Before giving your child any vitamin supplements for ADHD, consult a doctor.
Identification
The number of children diagnosed with ADHD has risen over the years. The CDC notes that between 2003 and 2007, the diagnosis rates rose about 5.5 percent each year. Three groups of symptoms can occur with ADHD: hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness. If your child is hyperactive, she may squirm or have problems staying in her seat. Examples of inattention symptoms of ADHD include becoming distracted easily, avoiding homework and having problems following directions. Symptoms of impulsiveness include interrupting others and talking excessively. With ADHD, your child will display these symptoms in several settings, such as at home and at school, and she will cause problems with her normal functioning.
Vitamins
Several types of vitamins may help with your child's ADHD symptoms. Different B vitamins, such as vitamins B-6, B-5 and B-3, may reduce symptoms. Your doctor may suggest testing your child's vitamin levels in his blood before giving him vitamin supplements. The University of Michigan Health System notes that some children with ADHD have a deficiency of vitamin B-6. Your doctor may recommend individual vitamin supplements or a multivitamin. Another vitamin option is vitamin C. Consult your child's doctor before giving your child vitamins for ADHD.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of vitamin treatment for ADHD is mixed. While vitamin B-6 plays a role in the manufacture of neurotransmitters involved in ADHD, such as dopamine, it may not improve your child's symptoms. In one preliminary study, ADHD children who took 15 to 30 mg of vitamin B-6 supplements per 2.2 lb. of their body weight each day had fewer behavioral problems than participants who took the stimulant medication methylphenidate, according to the University of Michigan Health System; however, lower amounts of the vitamin supplement did not improve symptoms. MedlinePlus adds that not enough evidence exists on whether vitamin C, vitamin B-3 and vitamin B-5 improve ADHD symptoms. Talk to your child's doctor first about whether vitamin supplements will help with your child's ADHD and which ones you should give her.
Warning
When giving your child vitamin supplements for ADHD, follow your child's doctor's instructions, as excessive doses can cause serious harm. For example, the Canadian Paediatrics Society notes that megavitamins, which have more than the recommended daily allowances for vitamins, may injure your child's liver. High doses of vitamin B-6 can result in nerve damage, and you should only give your child supplements under a doctor's supervision, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
Considerations
If you choose vitamin treatment for your child's ADHD, you may consider mineral supplements as well. The University of Michigan Health System notes that some children with ADHD have deficits in magnesium and iron. Low levels of iron can cause cognitive issues, and low amounts of magnesium can affect attention and cause irritability. Zinc supplements may also help reduce your child's symptoms. Before giving your child any mineral supplements for ADHD, talk to your child's doctor.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
- "Paediatrics and Child Health"; "Alternative Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder"; Canadian Paediatric Society; April 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- CDC: ADHD, Data and Statistics
- MedlinePlus Supplements: Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
- MedlinePlus Supplements: Niacin and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
