ADHD and Nutritional Facts

Deficiencies", default", Vitamin B6 was found to be more effective than Ritalin in treating a group of hyperactive children in a double-blind, crossover study.

Vitamin A (Beta Carotene): Aids Memory, Learning. A study in mice suggests that vitamin A plays an important role in learning and memory, a finding that researchers say underscores concerns about vitamin A deficiency in some 190 million children throughout the world. December issue of the Journal Neuron as quoted in Jan 08 (Reuters Health.)

Thiamine: When patients with evidence of thiamine deficiency were supplemented, their behaviour improved. Lonsdale D, Shamberger R, Am J Chin Nutr 33(2):205-1 1, 1980.

Niacin (vitamin B3): Supplementation may be helpful for the symptoms of hyperactivity, deteriorating school performance, perceptual changes and inability to acquire or maintain social relationships. Hoffer, A, Vitamin B3 Dependent Child, Schizophrenia, 3:107-113, 1971.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): Was found to be more effective than methylphenidate (Ritalin) in treating a group of hyperactive children in a double-blind, crossover study.

A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Pyridoxine
Administration to a Subgroup of Hyperkinetic children: A Double-blind, crossover Comparison with Methylphenidate, Coleman, et al, Bid. Psychiatry, Vol. 14, No. 5, 1979, pp. 741-751.

When B6 Pyridoxine was given to hyperactive children with low blood serotonin levels, their hyperactivity disappeared and serotonin levels returned to normal. The effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride on blood serotonin and pyridoxal phosphate contents in hyperactive children, Pediatrics, 55:437-41, 1975.

Magnesium: Deficiency in children is characterized by excessive fidgeting, anxious, restlessness, psychomotor instability and learning difficulties in presence of normal IQ. Clinical Aspects of Chronic Magnesium Deficiency, Seelig, Mildred, Magnesium in Health and Disease, Spectrum Publishing, 1980.

Calcium: Hyperactivity may be due to calcium deficiency and may improve on supplementation. Drugging the American Child, Walker S.J. Learn. Disabil, 8:354, 1975

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Flax Oil): A greater number of behavior problems assessed by the Connor’s Rating Scale, temper tantrums and sleep problems were reported in boys age 6-12 with lower total omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Boys with Behavior, Learning and Health Problems, Stevens, et al, Physiology and Behavior, 1996

DMAE: a neurotransmitter precursor, has been used to improve behaviors, mental concentration, puzzle solving ability and organization(J.Pediatrics,1958).

DHA: is an omega-3 Fatty Acid that is necessary for brain development and functioning. DHA may improve mood and memory and deficient levels correlate with behavioral problems in children. DHA is found in breast milk and is necessary for optimal development of the eyes and the brain.

Zinc: Association suggested between zinc deficiency and ADHD. Serum zinc levels in ADHD group were significantly lower than controls, Zinc Deficiency in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Toren, et al, Biol. Psychiatry, 1996;40:1308-1310.

Zinc deficiency may make children irritable, tearful, sullen and have gaze aversion, Moyna han, Zinc Deficiency and Disturbances of Mood and Visula Behavior, Lancet, 1:91, 1976.

Sucrose: may cause a ten times increase in adrenaline levels in children resulting in difficulty concentrating, irritability and anxiety. Jones, Tim, Borg W. et al, Journal of Pediatrics, Vol 1, 126 (2) Feb 1995, pp. 171 -177.

Sucrose: may cause increase in inappropriate behavior and decrement in performance. Journal of Abnormal Child Psych. 1986 14(4):565-77.

Sucrose: Overly aggressive behavior may be associated with elevated sugar intake. Schauss, A., Diet, Crime and Delinquency, Parker House, 1980.