Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, causes a wide range of symptoms, including impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and trouble paying attention. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that between 3 percent and 5 percent of children in school have ADHD, and its symptoms often appear before the child reaches 7 years. Scientists are not certain of the causes of ADHD, but it may due to exposure to certain toxins or it may be genetic in nature. Interestingly, some children with ADHD also have a deficiency in certain minerals.
Zinc
The symptoms of ADHD and certain mineral deficiencies may overlap, and thus a deficiency may mimic those of ADHD, or make the symptoms more severe. For example, some children with ADHD have a deficiency in zinc, which is an essential mineral that helps to regulate normal brain functioning. The proper processing of nutrients such as fatty acids and melatonin are also important for calm, attentive behavior. For these molecules to be properly processed, normal levels of zinc are required. Children with ADHD and a zinc deficiency thus may exhibit more severe inattentive and hyperactive behavior.
Magnesium
Children with ADHD often also have a deficiency in the mineral magnesium. Similar to zinc, the symptoms of magnesium deficiency may also present as those of ADHD. These symptoms include inattentiveness, irritability and confusion. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the symptoms of some magnesium-deficient children with ADHD improved when they were treated with magnesium supplements.
Iron
In 2000, Dr. Parris Kidd, PhD, of University of California at Berkeley published a review of various treatments of ADHD in the "Alternative Medicine Review." Dr. Kidd reports that a deficiency in the mineral iron is the most common deficiency in school-aged children in the United States. Additionally, a deficiency in this mineral can make paying attention difficult and decrease levels of activity. Thus, an inattentive child may also be experiencing a deficiency in iron.
Recommendations
If a child does have a deficiency in one or more minerals, he would benefit from eating a diet rich in these minerals or taking mineral supplements, although you should consult a pediatrician before starting him on a regimen of mineral supplementation. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that children with ADHD might benefit from 200 mg of magnesium and 35 mg of zinc per day. Oregon State University reports that children between the ages of 4 and 8 years should get 10 mg per day of iron in their diets.
References
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: rationale for its integrative management; Parris Kidd, PhD; October 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- University of California as San Diego: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
- Oregon State University: Iron
