From A to Zinc - The Basics of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements For ADHD Treatment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ishave some degree of magnesium deficiency.
a common childhood neuropsychological disorder.Magnesium is given at a dose of 400 to 800 mg
Although not confined to children, ADHD is usuallydaily. Food choices rich in magnesium include nuts
diagnosed in the school-age child. Increasingand seeds, cooked beans, sprouted grains, garlic,
awareness of this disorder has led to numerousraisins, green peas, potato skins, and crabmeat.
researches on effective and safe treatments.Carbonated drinks high in phosphoric acid leaches
If you are looking for ways to supplement yourthe magnesium from our body. These drinks
child's treatment, then you might want to considershould be avoided.
supplementing your child's diet with vitamins andAnother mineral which he might recommend for
minerals. The use of minerals and vitamins forADHD is zinc. Zinc plays an important role in the
ADHD stems from the fact that nutritional statusoptimal development of the brain and nervous
and brain function are closely interrelated.system. Zinc is also an important regulator of the
Nutritional assessments of children with ADHDneurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine regulates
show that most of these kids are deficient in atthe sleep-wake cycle in ADHD children and plays
least one vitamin or mineral.an important role in regulating feelings of pleasure
One of the first proponents of the link between aand reward.
disease entity and mineral deficiencies is NobelGiving 5 to 10 mg of zinc daily results in improved
Prize winner Linus Pauling. Professor Pauling in themental functioning and behavior in ADHD children.
1960s summarized his research findings, sayingFood sources rich in zinc include oysters, red
that every sickness, every disease, and everymeat, liver, seafood, peanuts, whole wheat
ailment can be traced to a mineral deficiency.products, and popcorn. Zinc is also present in
Although unlikely that ADHD is purely a result ofsome vegetables, although nutritionists warn that
nutritional deficiency, findings that such deficienciesthese are not well absorbed by the body.
correlate with the severity of ADHD behaviorsIron deficiency, another common finding in ADHD
strengthen the use of these supplements inchildren and adolescents, results in decreased
disease management.attention span and impaired social responsiveness.
It is well known that the brain relies on vitaminsSupplementing iron in children who are not
and minerals to function properly and at itsiron-deficient can lead to toxicity, so it is best to
optimum level. Not all of these essential nutrientsconsult your doctor on the therapeutic range and
can be derived from our diets alone. That is whyappropriateness of giving iron to your kids.
we need vitamin and mineral supplements inCalcium also benefits children with ADHD.
addition to eating a healthy diet.Magnesium and calcium work in opposition. To get
Some of the minerals and vitamins for ADHDthe best results, choose a mineral supplement
identified are Vitamin B complex, zinc, magnesium,which contains these two in the right proportions.
calcium, and iron. Your doctor might suggestIf you are looking for mineral products for ADHD
increasing magnesium intake of your child.kids , it is best to consider one that combines
Magnesium is one of the most important mineralsmore than one mineral in the right proportions.
for ADHD treatment. Magnesium deficiency couldMost of the children and adolescents with ADHD
lead to irritability, excessive fidgeting, learningare lacking in more than one of the essential
disabilities, inability to concentrate, and shortvitamins and minerals. Giving mineral supplements
attention spans. In one of the studies performed,in the right proportions can lead to major
up to 95% of children with ADHD were found toimprovements in ADHD behaviors in a short time.