ADHD and Supplements

It is startling to know that 3 to 7 percent of children in the US suffer from or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD . This means it affects over 2 million children in America - so in every class of 25 pupils, 1 child is likely to have ADHD.

The primary symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Children display unusual fidgety and restlessness. They are likely to have problem paying attention in school, waiting in lines or taking turns. Some children can be very aggressive. This condition is usually diagnosed in the pre-school and early school years.

ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in boys compared to girls, it is unknown whether this is due to inherent behavioural differences between gender - on the whole girls tend to be less aggressive than boys.

The U.S. Surgeon General has defined ADHD as a metabolic form of encephalopathy. The disease weakens the release and homeostasis of neurological chemicals, reducing the function of the limbic system. Other relevant research however points out that some part of the brain could be involved. These are the frontal lobes, their connections to the basal ganglia, the central aspects of the cerebellum and the middle or medial aspect of the frontal lobe.

Four types of ADHD types have been recognized. These are the Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Type of ADHD (hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive) and ADHD Not Otherwise Specified. As a person gets older, the symptoms of ADHD are likely to reduce, although a significant number of those diagnosed with ADHD retain symptoms into adulthood. It is then known as Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder or AADD. In adults, it manifests itself in the need to be physically busy all time, excessive talking, interrupting others, risk taking, speaking out without regard to the consequences and excessive daydreaming.

The research into the causes of ADHD has thrown up a number of issues. Primarily it seems that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in ADHD.

Sugar has long been blamed as a causative factor in ADHA, however a recent study on the effect of sugar on children, using sugar one day and a sugar substitute on alternate days, unbeknownst to parents, staff, or children showed no significant effects of the sugar on behavior or learning.

Research has suggested that food deficiencies could be part of the problem in. Candidates includes Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin C, iron and zinc. This suggests a role for nutritional ?supplementation in the treatment of ADHD

Omega 3 deficiency may be associated with the behavioral problems that are linked with ADHD. Some ADHD children show other symptoms connected with Omega 3 deficiency, such as dry skin and hair, thirst and even frequent urination. Trials in supplementing Omega 3 in children with ADHD revealed some promising results. Over a period of time, fish oil supplements were given to a group of children and a placebo to another set. The children with fish oil supplements showed remarkable improvements in attentiveness and other attributes. Academic results were much better with better scores in reading, spelling, mathematics and other skills. No such improvements were seen in children given the placebo. Thus Omega 3 rich supplements such as fish oil could be a solution to help children with ADHD. Studies have also indicated that babies who are breast-fed have a lower chance of developing ADHD later due to the high amount of DHA, an Omega 3 fatty acid in breast milk.

Children with ADHD often suffer from food allergies . Typical food allergies include dairy products, wheat, corn, yeast, soy, citrus, eggs, chocolate, peanuts and artificial colors and preservatives. Some children may be at risk of missing out on vital nutrients such as vitamins, iron and zinc as a result of cutting out food groups from their diet. ?In some cases food allergy could can a child to malabsorb nutrients, or even increase excretion from the body.

Research has also shown that iron levels are often low in children suffering from ADHD. When children's serum ferritin levels were measured to determine their iron status, it was seen that one-third of the ADHD children had a very low range of iron levels. It was noticed that the lower the iron levels, the higher were the severity of the ADHD symptoms. The researchers concluded that low iron stores might explain some ADHD cases. Iron supplementation may be an option for the treatment of ADHD , although caution is required with this as iron overdose carries detrimental side affects. From a dietary point of view you can increase your child's intake of iron through ensuring adequate red meat, poultry and fish. Other good sources of iron include green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and pulses although these aren't absorbed as efficiently as iron contained in animal products (haem iron). Taking these foods with items containing vitamin c such as a glass of orange juice or sliced tomatoes will help the absorption.

Supplements of zinc and zinc sulpahate have proved successful in the treatment of ADHD in small trials - more results are awaited. Dietary sources of zinc include red meat and poultry. Nuts and seafood are also good zinc providers

Most ADHD children are on some prescribed drug or the other. Should drug interactions with dietary supplements be a concern? New research indicates that more often than not, mixing doesn't produce side effects that are serious enough to warrant concern.

In summary indicates that a balanced diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals may be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD in children. What goes in seems to be so important to the proper functioning of the body and mind.