Vitamin Therapy For People With Add/adhd

Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are developmental disorders that typically surface before the age of seven. However, they can continue to affect people into adulthood. These disorders typically affect the ability to control impulses, pay attention to external stimuli and organize tasks and activities. Other common symptoms include inability to sit still, excessive talking, tendency to interrupt others and difficulty listening. Vitamins cannot cure ADD or ADHD. However, certain vitamins may help reduce behavioral symptoms. Check with your physician before using any vitamin to treat ADD or ADHD.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a B-complex vitamin that is essential for nervous system function. This vitamin is responsible for helping your body produce fats that coat your nerves, which may help prevent damage to nerve cells caused by free radicals and toxins in your body, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The role of vitamin B-12 in protecting nerves may help reduce impulsiveness associated with ADD and ADHD. Vitamin B-12 is found in animal-based foods, such as eggs, red meats, poultry, fish and dairy products.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 is most well-known for its role in encouraging the metabolism of proteins from food sources, but this B-complex vitamin may also provide benefits for people with ADD and ADHD. This vitamin may aid in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter chemical that helps stabilize mood. Vitamin B-6 may help reduce symptoms in children with ADD or ADHD who have low serotonin levels, according to Columbia University. However, this vitamin is not effective for people with ADHD or ADD who do not also have a serotonin deficiency. Lean poultry, spinach, sunflower seeds, bananas, salmon and eggs are abundant sources of vitamin B-6.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help prevent free radical damage to brain and nerve cells. This may help support proper brain and nervous system function, which may help reduce ADD and ADHD symptoms. Vitamin C may also have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which may help reduce impulsiveness, excessive talking and uncontrolled movement commonly associated with these disorders, according to Balch. Boost consumption of vitamin C with foods like avocados, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, mangoes, onions, grapefruit, kale, pomegranates and strawberries.

Vitamin B-5

Vitamin B-5, also known as pantothenic acid, aids in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which your brain uses for fuel, according to Balch. It may also stimulate the production of serotonin. Vitamin B-5 may offer anti-stress benefits, which may improve your ability to concentrate on work and school tasks, tests and social interactions. Vitamin B-5 is found in mushrooms, lobster, tuna, rye flour, walnuts and avocados.