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Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD
or ADD, is characterized by impulsive behavior, an inability to
focus, and is sometimes accompanied by excessive amounts physical
activity.
Although ADHD is commonly identified in connection
with various learning difficulties and inadequate social skills,
there is no objective criterion upon which to accurately
substantiate whether or not a child is just defiant and more
boisterous than another, or if they truly have ADHD. An accurate
diagnosis is often difficult to make because “normal” human behavior
spans across such a large scale. Unfortunately, if it is not
recognized at an early age, ADHD often remains undiagnosed. In fact,
there are many adults, unaware of their situation, who continue to
be affected by ADHD every day.
Nutritional Supplements
that may be useful for people with ADHD
Studies have
shown reduced levels of magnesium in a
number of children diagnosed with ADHD. One particular study found
that when ADHD children, deficient in magnesium, were given 200mg of
magnesium once a day for 6 months they were considerably less
hyperactive than those who were not supplemented.
In another
study the use of supplemental L-carnitine was
studied in connection with ADHD. In this trial, a group of boys
diagnosed with ADHD were given 100mg of supplemental L-carnitine for
each pound of their body weight, once a day (with a maximum of 4g a
day). Although one child, while taking L-carnitine , did develop a
disagreeable body odor (which can be treated with supplemental
riboflavin), no other adverse side effects were noticed. And, while
54% of those treated showed significant progress, only 13% of the
boys in the placebo group reported any improvement. Because the
long-term use of supplemental L-carnitine in children has not been
studied well, a physician should supervise any treatment of this
nature.
In comparison with unaffected children, reduced
levels of various essential fatty acids have been noted in several
children with ADHD. In one clinical trial, supplemental primrose
oil was given to these children in an attempt to correct the
deficiency. Some level of benefit was observed, however the ultimate
findings were not well-defined.
Research has also shown some
ADHD patients to be deficient in B vitamins; with vitamin B6
levels being particularly low. A study involving six children with
ADHD, who’s blood showed low levels of the neurotransmitter
serotonin, administered 15-30mg of supplemental vitamin B6 per 2.2
pounds of body weight to the children each day. In this particular
study, supplemental vitamin B6 was found to be a more effective
treatment than methylphenidate, commonly known as
Ritalin®.
Supporting
Literature
Starobrat-Hermelin B, Kozielec T. The
effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity
in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Positive response to magnesium oral loading test. Magnes Res
1997;10:149–156.
Bhagavan HN, Coleman M, Coursin DB. The effect
of pyridoxine hydrochloride on blood serotonin and pyridoxal
phosphate contents in hyperactive children. Pediatrics
1975;55:437–41. Van Oudheusden LJ, Scholte HR. Efficacy of carnitine
in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids
2002;67:33–38.
Mitchell EA, Aman MG, Turbott SH, Manku M.
Clinical characteristics and serum essential fatty acid levels in
hyperactive children. Clin Pediatr 1987;26:406–411. Deck JL, Stevens
LJ, Zentall SS, et al. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. 1995;62:761–7688. Aman MG,
Mitchell EA, Turbott SH. The effects of essential fatty acid
supplementation by Efamol in hyperactive children. J Abnorm Child
Psychol 1987;15:75–90.
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