Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a very common psychiatric disorder that can affect children and adults. Patients suffering from the disorder experience difficulties focusing on one specific task, and their hyperactivity that can lead to behavioral problems and difficulties in school. While the disorder often requires treatment with pharmaceuticals, adequate intake of certain vitamins may help in controlling ADHD.
Vitamin A
One vitamin that may help with ADHD is vitamin A. This vitamin may be ingested through food as beta-carotene, which is then processed by the body into retinol, a bioavailable form of vitamin A. The ADHD Child Parenting website explains that vitamin A may help children with ADHD by supporting proper eyesight. Children with poor eyesight may have difficulties in school due to an inability to see the chalkboard, which may prevent them from paying attention during lessons at school. Feeding your child foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, eggs, fish oil, and milk can help provide your child with the vitamin A needed to support and maintain proper eyesight, and may help curb the symptoms of ADHD.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may also help a person suffering from ADHD. A family of eight related chemicals, vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, preventing cellular and molecular damage caused by harmful chemicals called free radicals. This cellular damage can impair tissue functioning, including brain function. Purdue University explains that oxidative and free radical damage have been linked to ADHD, indicating that this cellular damage plays a role in behavior and cognitive functioning. By neutralizing free radical damage, vitamin E may help prevent or treat some symptoms of ADHD, making the disorder more manageable.
B Vitamins
B vitamins may also help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. The B-class group of vitamins is made up of eight vitamins: B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-8, B-9 and B-12. Collectively, these vitamins aid in metabolism -- they help break down the proteins, fats, oil and carbohydrates consumed in your diet, according to Colorado State University. Adequate levels of B vitamins are essential for proper nutrition, since these vitamins allow your body to absorb the nutrients from your food. This proper breakdown of nutrients provides your cells with usable fuel, including glucose that supports proper brain functioning. Proper consumption of B-vitamins may help an individual suffering from ADHD by ensuring their brain receives the fuel it needs to function, helping to support learning.
