Amino acids are considered the building blocks of protein and are essential for the proper growth, maintenance and function of all of your body's cells, tissues and organs. Several amino acids have been identified to help treat some of the symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. According to PubMed Health, ADHD is a developmental and behavioral disorder that causes over-activity, impulsivity and inattentiveness, and is usually diagnosed in children but can occur in adults too. Amino acids for the treatment of ADHD symptoms should only be taken under the strict supervision of a physician and should not be intended to replace traditional medications or therapy.
L-tyrosine
Some individuals suffering from ADHD may also suffer from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria, a condition in which your body has a difficult time breaking down the compound phenylalanine into tyrosine. According to a 2009 article published in the "Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience," tyrosine is an important precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, two hormones that can control mood and may be inhibited in ADHD patients. The researchers found that high doses of tyrosine administered daily over the course of four weeks reduced some of the symptoms related to ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity and aggression.
L-taurine
People with ADHD may also suffer from depression and may benefit from taurine supplementation. L-taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that your body can produce a little bit of it on its own, but additional nutritional intake may be required. Taurine is found in tissues throughout the body, but is highly concentrated in the hippocampus and pineal glands in your brain. According to a 2010 study published in the journal "Amino Acids," taurine may have anti-depressant effects by increasing neurotransmitter function in your brain.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids found in your brain and can even provide your brain with energy when your blood sugar levels drop too low. Glutamine is a precursor for gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, which may reduce some of the symptoms associated with both bipolar disorder and ADHD, especially hyperactivity and anxiety. A 2006 study published in the journal "Biofactors" found that GABA acts as a natural relaxant and is effective at diminishing anxiety.
L-glycine
Glycine is the simplest amino acid in structure and closely resembles glucose, or sugar, in your body. Glycine supplementation may help improve attention and focus in both children and adults with attention and hyperactivity problems. According to a 1999 article published by the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology," glycine supplementation significantly benefits mood, memory and attention in healthy individuals. More research needs to be conducted on the effectiveness of glycine in individuals suffering from ADHD and other behavioral disorders.
References
- "Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise"; Mike Greenwood, Douglas Kalman and Jose Antonio; 2010
- PubMed Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- "Journal of Neurophsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience"; Tyrosine Supplements for ADHD Symptoms with Comorbid Phenylketonuria' J. Posner, B.J. Nagel; Spring 2009
- "Amino Acids"; The Impact of Taurine- and Beta-alanine-supplemented Diets on Behavioral and Neurochemical Parameters in Mice...; T. Murakami and M. Furuse; July 2010
- "Biofactors"; Relaxation and Immunity Enhancement Effects of Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration in Humans; A.M. Abdou et al.; 2006
- "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology"; Beneficial Effects of Glycine (Bioglycin) on Memory and Attention in Young and Middle-aged Adults; S.E. File et al.; Dec 1999
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