Attention deficit disorder, ADD, is a common childhood health problem, though it is not a normal part of being a child. ADD, also known as ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is on the rise in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a 22 percent increase in children with ADD-ADHD between 2003 and 2007. Before using natural supplements to help treat your child's ADD-ADHD, speak with his primary care doctor.
Attention Deficit Disorder
ADD-ADHD is a pervasive condition among American children. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this condition affects between 3 percent and 5 percent of school-age children, and is significantly more common in boys than girls. Symptoms associated with ADD-ADHD fall into three categories: inattentiveness, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. This condition is frequently confused with other health problems, such as learning disabilities, insomnia and depression. A combination of at least six attention symptoms and six impulsive or hyperactive symptoms are required for a diagnosis of ADD-ADHD.
Helpful Natural Supplements
Certain natural supplements may be helpful in treating your child's ADD/ADHD. According to medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," the following supplements may be beneficial in treating this health problem: magnesium and zinc. A study published by B. Starobrat-Hermelin and T. Kozielec in the journal "Magnesium Research" states that supplementation with 200 mg of magnesium per day helped significantly reduce hyperactive behavior in children with this condition. A study by S. Akhondzadeh and colleagues published in the journal "BMC Psychiatry" notes that zinc is a beneficial supplement in the treatment of children with ADHD. Further clinical research studies may be needed to assess the true health potential of these natural supplements.
GABA and ADD-ADHD
GABA, also known as gamma-amino-butyric acid, may be one of the most helpful natural supplements for kids with ADD-ADHD. GABA, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," helps calm your child's body in a way similar to tranquilizers, although it does not cause the same side effects or addiction. A 2006 study by Masahito Miyazakia and colleagues published in the journal "Brain and Development" states that a GABA-enhancing drug known as valproate -- a drug, not a dietary supplement -- significantly improved hyperactivity and impulsivity in three boys with ADHD. A larger body of research is needed to evaluate whether GABA or GABA-enhancing supplements will help with your child's ADD-ADHD.
Two More Beneficial Supplements
Two more beneficial natural supplements in treating your child's ADD-ADHD may include L-carnitine and iron. A 2002 study published in the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" by L.J. Van Oudheusden and H.R. Scholte states that treatment with L-carnitine significantly improved the aggressive behavior and attention problem of boys with ADHD in their study. In a 2004 article published in the journal "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine," E. Konofal and colleagues report that low iron stores contribute to ADHD and that children with this health problem may be helped by taking iron supplements.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD Data and Statistics
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: ADHD
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Magnesium Research"; Effects of Mg Supplementation; B. Starobrat-Hermelin and T. Kozielec; June 1997
- "BMC Psychiatry"; Zinc Sulfate for ADHD; S. Akhondzadeh, et al.; April 2004
