The use of complex vitamins typically refers to the consumption of the B vitamin complex, a combination of eight B vitamins, which each provide numerous health benefits. Many parents give vitamins to their children to help enhance their growth and development as well as supplement their dietary needs. For individuals with a disorder such as ADHD, vitamins have been suggested as useful in altering behavioral symptoms; however, the evidence for this is limited.
Vitamin B Complex
The Vitamin B Complex consists of eight different B vitamins; B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. As a whole, these vitamins help to regulate enzymes, which control the body's chemical reactions and convert food to energy. Thiamin, B1, and riboflavin, B2, act on enzymes relative to the heart, muscles and nerves while also helping produce energy. Niacin, B3, is important for producing energy and supporting the nervous system, digestive system and skin. Pantothenic acid, B5, helps with normal development and growth. Pyridoxine, B6, assists in maintaining red blood cell, immune system and nervous system health, while also facilitating protein breakdown. Biotin, B7, also helps with protein breakdown and hormone production. Folic acid, B9, is important for maintaining DNA and producing red blood cells. Finally, cobalamin, B12, helps with blood cell production, nervous system functioning, and use of carbohydrates and folic acid.
Sources and Deficiencies of Vitamin B Complex
Deficiencies in the B vitamins can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, appetite loss, anemia, depression, muscle cramps, eczema, poor growth and pain in the abdomen. It is thought that deficiencies in B vitamins also weaken the immune system. The needed amounts of B vitamins can be obtained naturally through a well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables. B1 and B2 can be found in cereals and whole grains. Both B3 and B6 can be found in fish, chicken, liver and dried beans. B7 can be found in mushrooms, bananas and watermelon. B9 is in citrus fruit, green leafy vegetables, nuts and peas. B12 occurs in milk, eggs, shellfish and meat.
ADHD Symptoms
A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder requires that a child demonstrate symptoms before age 7 and do so in two or more settings, such as home and school. Behavior that matches symptoms of inattention include being forgetful, losing things, being easily distracted, making careless mistakes, struggling to focus on a task, disorganization, and difficulty following directions and completing assignments. Hyperactive or impulsive symptoms include talking nonstop, interrupting others, being unable to wait for a turn, squirming, struggling to stay seated and being constantly in motion.
Complex Vitamins and ADHD
The use of a supplement of complex B vitamins may have some benefits for children with ADHD. An article published in "Magnesium Research" found that children with ADHD who received a magnesium-vitamin B6 regimen showed reduced symptoms of the disorder. This may be related to B6's role in the neurotransmitter production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are affected in children with ADHD. An early study found that vitamin B6 was somewhat more effective in minimizing hyperactivity than Ritalin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, the study was small and no others have provided corroborating evidence. Some studies have even shown that B6 has no impact on behavior. The use of a complex B vitamin supplement can provide numerous health benefits to persons deficient in the B vitamins; however, its use with children with ADHD is uncertain, and should be carefully considered and discussed with a physician.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Stephen D. Ehrlich, NMD; 2008
- American Cancer Society; Vitamin B Complex; 2010
- "Magnesium Research"; Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders; M. Mousain-Bosc et al; 2006
