Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD, is a common childhood disorder that can progress through adolescence and adulthood. ADHD is characterized by difficulty staying focused, paying attention and controlling impulsive and hyperactive behavior. Eating foods with certain additives, such as artificial colorings and pesticides, may exacerbate the symptoms. ADHD is associated with nutritional deficiency. Increasing dietary intake of certain nutrients may improve the condition. Consult your doctor on nutrients that affect ADHD.
Amino Acids
ADHD is associated with imbalances of neurotransmitters and deficiencies of amino acid precursors that produce these neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are chemicals that communicate messages between nerve cells in the brain. Scientists at Ohio State University in Columbus discovered patients with attention deficit disorder have significantly lower levels of tryptophan and tyrosine, amino acids that produce serotonin and dopamine, respectively, according to research published in "Psychiatry Research" in September 1990. Taking supplements of tryptophan and tyrosine improves symptoms in people with ADHD. Scientists at NeuroResearch Clinics in Cape Coral, Florida, found that 77 percent of individuals ages 4 to 18 years of age taking tryptophan and tyrosine experienced improved symptoms of ADHD superior to those of conventional prescription medication, according to research published in "Neuropsychiatry Disease and Treatment" in 2011.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that play a role in cell membrane function. Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid found in walnuts and flaxseeds and eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are both found in fatty fish such as salmon and sardines. Adding alpha-linolenic acid to your diet with flaxseed oil may improve symptoms of ADHD, including reduction in hyperactivity, according to research by scientists at the University of Pune in Maharashtra, India, and published in "Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" in January 2006. However, increasing your dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid by taking fish oil supplements provides superior results in improving ADHD versus just increasing alpha-linolenic intake from flaxseed oil, according to research by scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and published in the September October edition of "Reproduction, Nutrition, Development" in 2005.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral essential for healthy cells and energy production from metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and synthesis of DNA and RNA. ADHD is associated with a deficiency of magnesium. Scientists at Pomeranian Medical Academy in Szczecin, Poland, found that 95 percent of children with ADHD have a magnesium deficiency, according to research published in "Magnesium Research" in June 1997.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium Supplements
The conversion of amino acids to neurotransmitters requires vitamin B6. Taking supplements that combine vitamin B6 and magnesium improves the symptoms of ADHD. Scientists at Caremeau University Center Hospital in Nimes, France, found that a combined vitamin B6 magnesium supplement significantly improves symptoms of ADHD, including enhanced attention and reduced hyperactivity and aggressiveness in children, according to research published in "Magnesium Research" in March 2006. The symptoms returned upon discontinuation of the supplements.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health; What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?; 2009
- "Psychiatry Research"; Plasma Amino Acids in Attention Deficit Disorder; R.A. Bornstein, et al.; Sep 1990
- "Neuropsychiatry Diseases and Treatment"; Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Monoamine Amino Acid Precursors and Organic Cation Transporter Assay Interpretation; Marty Hinz, et al.; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 25 2009
- "Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Supplementation with Flax Oil and Vitamin C Improves the Outcome of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Kalpana Joshi, et al.; Jan 2006
- "Reproduction, Nutrition, Development"; Effect of Randomized Supplementation with High Dose Olive, Flax or Fish Oil on Serum Phospholipid Fatty Acid Levels in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Genevieve Young, et al.; Sep-Oct 2005
