Child adhd supplement

Best ADHD Supplements & Vitamins For Kids With ADHD

Our diet plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental health.

A well-balanced diet consisting of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, etc., can provide our bodies with everything it needs to feel great and function at a high level.

However, a bad diet can cause our health to deteriorate.

For example, eating fast food exposes our bodies to artificial colorings and processed sugars that can have detrimental behavioral and physical effects, including weight gain, tooth decay, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, and may even impact cognitive functioning.

These effects are especially harmful to individuals suffering from ADD/ADHD and Autism, as ingredients like processed sugar can exacerbate the negative symptoms of these disorders by disrupting neurotransmitters in the brain.

At the Drake Institute, brain map-guided neurofeedback (EEG-Biofeedback) is our primary method for treating ADHD; however, eating a proper diet and utilizing ADHD supplements can help enhance improvements generated by our non-drug treatment protocols, especially for kids.

In this article, we’ll further explain the relationship between diet and ADHD, how parents can use vitamins for kids with ADHD to improve the results of non-drug ADHD treatments, and how the Drake Institute uses non-drug, non-invasive treatment protocols to help our patients achieve symptom relief.

The Effects Of A Poor Diet On ADD & ADHD

Processed foods are jam-packed with artificial colors and sugars, which can be detrimental to the health of both children and adults.

An improper diet can also compromise our gut health, which plays an important role in helping to protect our physical and mental health.

Decreasing your ADHD child’s intake of foods containing these potentially harmful ingredients may improve his or her behavioral symptoms and provide several important health benefits.

Battling Sugar Cravings

The sugar found in many soft drinks, juices, candy bars, etc., can dysregulate brain function (e.g., increased dopamine levels).

The effect of sugar is so powerful, that studies have shown mice prefer sugar over cocaine. [i]

For many years, parents have told our staff how their child with ADHD craves sugar, and in response, the parents sometimes have attempted to substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame and Saccharine.

However, the Drake Institute does not recommend substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners, as Aspartame and Saccharine may cause some individuals to experience learning problems, headaches, and other side effects. [ii]

To improve ADHD symptoms, it’s best to limit how much sugar your child is consuming, and if possible, to remove it from your child’s diet altogether.

Artificial Food Colorings

Artificial food colorings can also affect your child’s behavior, which can make shopping for your ADHD child at the grocery store quite difficult once you leave the produce aisle.

Making matters worse is the fact that companies market sodas and other sugary snacks to children, which are often the worst offenders when it comes to using food dyes and artificial colorings.

That said, it’s still critical that parents attempt to eliminate or minimize these types of processed foods from their child’s diet, as their removal may help reduce their child’s ADHD symptoms.

Gut Health

Foods containing high amounts of sugar, artificial food colorings, and toxic preservatives can compromise the health of our gut, leading to poorer overall health.

Additionally, there are non-food factors that can negatively impact gut flora, including childbirth by cesarean delivery and antibiotics (this is not to suggest to avoid cesarean delivery or antibiotics when necessary).

Our gut microbiota (gut flora) is composed of many microorganisms that support our physical and mental health, immune system functioning, brain development, and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Interestingly, children with ADD and ADHD tend to have a greater prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can improve gut flora, and parents should also consider including foods such as yogurt into their child’s diet which can have a beneficial effect on the gut flora.

One of the best ways to protect gut health is to eliminate processed foods from our diets, as this ensures that our gut can fully reap the benefits of probiotic supplementation and healthy eating.

ADHD Diet Plan

In a lecture for continuing medical education for physicians, Dr. Anna Esparham of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas Medical Center presented many significant findings for helping patients with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders, including recommendations that early healthy nutrition, sustained through adolescence, is most important in promoting long-term brain development and functioning.

A proper ADHD diet plan should resemble and mimic any other diet plan that focuses on the consumption of nutrient-dense foods that do not contain excessive amounts of sugar and artificial colorings or sweeteners.

Additionally, supplements can be taken under the guidance of a medical professional to help battle any deficiencies that may be present; however, it is recommended that individuals suffering from ADD or ADHD first try to obtain their essential minerals and nutrients through the consumption of healthy foods.

ADHD Vitamins & Supplements

ADHD vitamins and supplements, in conjunction with a healthy diet, can be a powerful tool for achieving symptom relief, especially for individuals who are having difficulty getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals from their diets.

To help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD, the Drake Institute recommends the following supplements for ADHD.

Essential Trace Minerals
The 3 essential trace minerals that have been studied the most and which are very important for brain development and functioning are zinc, iron, and magnesium.

Again, it’s important to note that any treatment plan that includes vitamin or mineral supplementation should first include a consultation with a medical professional.

1. Zinc

Individuals suffering from ADD and ADHD can be zinc deficient, and taking a zinc supplement may be helpful in achieving symptom relief.

Zinc is called a “cofactor” in neurotransmission, and it plays an important role in the healing of tissue and immune system functioning.

Zinc also protects the gut barrier and the blood-brain barrier, and if one has a zinc deficiency, it can cause dysfunction of these barriers.

One study showed that zinc improved hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not the symptoms of inattention.

Doctors and Pediatricians can test for low zinc levels and guide supplementation if zinc levels are found to be low.

2. Iron

Iron is another cofactor in the production and metabolism of neurotransmitters, and an iron deficiency can affect dopamine metabolism.

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter, and a deficiency can cause restless legs syndrome, sleeping problems, and sometimes fatigue and tachycardia (elevated heart rate).

Low ferritin (a protein that stores iron in the body and releases it) and abnormal iron indices are seen in ADHD children, particularly in children who are experiencing sleeping problems.

ADHD children, who are taking stimulant medications, could also have an increased risk for iron deficiency, as these medications tend to suppress the child’s appetite, leading to malnourishment.

3. Magnesium

Finally, magnesium is the third essential trace mineral and is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including

Bone Metabolism & Growth
Nerve Function
Neurotransmitter Release
Immune System Functioning
Regulation Of The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Clinical symptoms of magnesium deficiency in children include irritability, anxiety, and agitation.

Magnesium supplementation can reduce anxiety and irritability through its calming effect, which can be instrumental in helping ADHD children complete their daily tasks.

Fatty Acid Supplementation

In addition to supplementing essential trace minerals, supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids can also help mitigate the effects of ADD and ADHD.

Every cell in our body (including our brain) is made up of fats. In fact, the brain is composed of as much as 60% lipids.

To improve brain functioning, research has shown that in children with ADHD whose blood levels of omega-3 are low, Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is just as effective for ADHD as stimulant drugs for improving attention but without the possible drug side-effects. [iii]

That is an amazing statistic when you consider that Omega-3 fatty acids are not a drug, but are instead dietary healthy fats (Transactional Psychiatry, online November 20, 2019).

Vitamin B & C

Finally, supplementing vitamins B and C can also help alleviate ADD and ADHD symptoms.

Vitamin C, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, is used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine.

Additionally, vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.

When both of these vitamins reach optimal levels, individuals with ADHD can experience increased alertness and decreased anxiety, which can help ADHD children focus on their tasks and decrease their hyperactivity.

Do ADHD Vitamins Work?

ADHD vitamins can mitigate the negative side effects of ADHD when used in conjunction with a healthy diet.

And by improving your child’s diet, you can increase the benefits received from other treatment programs, like the non-drug ADHD treatment program provided by the Drake Institute.

That said, nutrition by itself may not be enough for some individuals to experience significant symptom relief. In these cases, we recommend non-drug clinical interventions, like Neurofeedback and Neurostimulation for ADHD.

Combining Diet with Clinical Treatment

At the Drake Institute, we advocate evidence-based, proven medical treatment programs like Neurofeedback and Neuromodulation, which utilize the brain’s resources, do not require drugs and are capable of reducing or resolving the symptoms of ADHD.

Our ADHD treatments are non-drug, non-invasive, and designed to “retrain the brain” for long term improvement, as opposed to simply medicating to control symptoms.

One of the best ways to help fully support our treatment process is to implement an improved diet for kids with ADD and ADHD, as this increases the likelihood that your child will have the best possible long-term results from brain map guided neurofeedback.

While our neurofeedback treatment programs can provide patients with sustainable, long-term symptom improvement or resolution, the treatment tends to work better, and faster, when combined with an optimized diet.

In addition to ADD and ADHD symptom improvement, proper diets provide a wealth of other health benefits for parents and their children.

Creating and sustaining a healthy diet should be a priority for all families, regardless of whether or not someone in the family is suffering from a related disorder like ADHD.

Get Help at the Drake Institute Today

Get help for you or your loved ones by contacting us to arrange a screening consultation at no charge.

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1931610/

[ii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28198207/

[iii] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-blog/2011/december/get-the-facts-about-healthy-fats

“David F. Velkoff, M.D., our Medical Director and co-founder, supervises all evaluation procedures and treatment programs. He is recognized as a physician pioneer in using biofeedback, qEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback, and neuromodulation in the treatment of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and stress related illnesses including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Dr. David Velkoff earned his Master’s degree in Psychology from the California State University at Los Angeles in 1975, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta in 1976. This was followed by Dr. Velkoff completing his internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology with an elective in Neurology at the University of California Medical Center in Irvine. He then shifted his specialty to Neurophysical Medicine and received his initial training in biofeedback/neurofeedback in Neurophysical Medicine from the leading doctors in the world in biofeedback at the renown Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. In 1980, he co-founded the Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine. Seeking to better understand the link between illness and the mind, Dr. Velkoff served as the clinical director of an international research study on psychoneuroimmunology with the UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Pasteur Institute in Paris. This was a follow-up study to an earlier clinical collaborative effort with UCLA School of Medicine demonstrating how the Drake Institute's stress treatment resulted in improved immune functioning of natural killer cell activity. Dr. Velkoff served as one of the founding associate editors of the scientific publication, Journal of Neurotherapy. He has been an invited guest lecturer at Los Angeles Children's Hospital, UCLA, Cedars Sinai Medical Center-Thalians Mental Health Center, St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, and CHADD. He has been a medical consultant in Neurophysical Medicine to CNN, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, Univision, and PBS.”

More About What Makes Drake Institute Unique

10 Supplements and Vitamins for ADHD Symptom Control

What ADHD Supplements Improve Symptoms?

Research shows that medication does a good job of managing ADHD symptoms in many children and adults. Still, the thought of starting your eight-year-old son or daughter on a drug, no matter how effective it might be, causes lots of hand-wringing and soul-searching in parents before they agree to do it. There are potential side effects to be considered, along with the fact that ADHD medications don’t work the same way for every child in managing symptoms. So some parents look for other natural remedies for ADHD, such as nutrition, exercise, and supplements, to help their child deal with symptoms.

It is important to understand what a supplement is. A nutritional supplement provides basic nutrients for optimal health and function that you may not be getting from your food. Supplements include vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats. I don’t include herbal or botanical ingredients, such as ginkgo or St. John’s wort, in the supplement category. Botanicals are plant-based products that are not necessarily nutrients, but which may have positive effects on health and function.

Now let’s look at the individual ADHD supplements I recommend. Every natural remedy for ADHD mentioned here has some research to support its effectiveness in improving some symptoms.

If possible, I’d consult a physician to help you incorporate supplements into your treatment plan. Managing supplements and other integrative treatments requires expertise. It is difficult for a family to do this on their own.

ADHD Supplement: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Usually given in the form of fish oil, omega-3s are probably the best-researched supplement for ADHD. Numerous studies, including two meta-analyses, have found benefit in the area of hyperactivity, attention, or impulsivity.

[Get This Free Resource: Everyday Foods Filled with Omega-3s]

Finding the best omega 3 supplement is a different story. Despite all the studies on omega-3s, questions remain about the optimal dose and how to give it. The important omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA, which are listed on most product labels. I recommend a total of 1,000 mg. of EPA plus DHA (add the two together) for smaller children, 2,000 mg. for adolescents, and 1,500 mg. for those in between. There should be 1.5 to 2 times as much EPA as DHA. Most omega-3 gummies don’t provide these higher levels, so your best option is to give your child capsules or a liquid. For children who are vegetarian, algae oil is available, but it requires large doses to get enough EPA and DHA.

A related supplement is phosphatidylserine. This is a type of molecule derived from fatty acids that plays an important role in cell signaling. A couple of small studies indicate it might be helpful for ADHD. My clinical experience is that the benefits have not been impressive. It can be taken on its own or in conjunction with a fish oil supplement.

ADHD Supplement: Zinc

I recommend zinc for children with ADHD. The mineral is not as well researched as omega-3s and iron, but there is some positive research. One study showed that taking zinc with a psychostimulant caused a nearly 40 percent reduction in the amount of the stimulant required to function at optimal levels. Other studies have shown benefits for ADHD symptoms in general. Zinc levels can be measured in the blood, but it is safe to give 20-25 mg. of zinc daily to your child without first doing a blood test.

ADHD Supplement: Vitamin D

Many American children have abnormally low levels of vitamin D. Newer research shows that children with ADHD have lower vitamin D levels than children without the condition. One study showed that expectant mothers with low vitamin D levels had a higher likelihood of their children having ADHD. There are no studies showing that giving vitamin D to children with ADHD improves their symptoms. Nevertheless, I would check vitamin D levels and supplement if the levels are low or even borderline low.

[Free Resource Here: Guide to Natural ADHD Treatment Options]

ADHD Supplement: Iron

Low levels of the mineral iron can be a significant problem in children with ADHD. Studies have shown that iron is crucial for normal brain function, and that treating with supplemental iron can improve ADHD symptoms.

Before giving an iron supplement to your child, it is important to measure the iron levels in your child’s blood. When doctors measure these in children, they test for hemoglobin and hematocrit — the level of iron in red blood cells. These readings are usually normal in children with ADHD. I recommend that doctors also check the ferritin level, which measures circulating iron. This is often low, or borderline low, in kids with ADHD. One study showed that the average ferritin level in ADHD children was 22 compared with 44 in non-ADHD children.

I recommend supplementing with iron if a child has a ferritin level under 30. It is important to use a chelated iron product, which reduces the problem of constipation or stomachaches. I usually begin with 30-40 mg. of elemental iron a day, and measure ferritin levels again in three to six months.

Multivitamin/Multimineral for ADHD

It is important that children with ADHD have adequate amounts of a wide range of vitamins and minerals, but until recently, there has been little research suggesting that taking a multivitamin/multimineral was helpful for ADHD. Research indicates that a specific multivitamin/multimineral combination is effective for kids who have ADHD and emotional dysregulation, often displayed by oppositional children.

Daily Essential Nutrients is made by Hardy Nutritionals. In one study, the micronutrients in this formulation reduced impairment and improved inattention, emotional regulation, and aggression. DEN did not improve hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. The downside is that it is expensive, and a child has to take six pills a day. It’s possible that other multivitamins have similar effects, but they have not been well-studied.

ADHD Supplement: Magnesium

This mineral won’t directly improve attention, but it can calm hyperactivity and agitation, which compromise attention. I find magnesium helpful for children who have a “rebound effect” after their stimulant medication wears off. A child can safely take 100-300 mg. of elemental magnesium twice daily in the form of magnesium glycinate, citrate, or chelate. The citrate form tends to lead to loose stools.

ADHD Supplement: Inositol

Inositol is found in very small amounts in many foods. In concentrated doses, it helps to counter agitation and anxiety. I recommend 12-18 grams a day divided into two or three doses for adults. The dose for kids would be calculated based on their mass.

ADHD Supplement: Ginkgo Biloba

This herb has been used to improve cognitive function for thousands of years. A couple of small studies have shown that it may be helpful in children with ADHD. A recent double-blind randomized study looked at adding ginkgo to a stimulant that children were already taking. Some children took ginkgo plus a stimulant, while others took a placebo and a stimulant. Those who took the ginkgo had a 35 percent better response rate in terms of improving attention. It had no effect on hyperactivity or impulsivity. I use 60 mg., twice a day, for children.

Bacopa and gotu kola, which are part of Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India), have both been used to treat ADHD, but western medicine has done little research on them.

One herb, St. John’s wort, is often recommended for children with ADHD, but research shows that it helps with mood disorders, not ADHD. A study on using St. John’s wort to treat ADHD reached the same conclusion: It did not help. This study was discussed in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. View the study abstract.

The ABCs of ADHD Supplements

Among the many questions parents ask me when thinking about natural supplements for ADHD are: How can supplements help? Are they a substitute for ADHD medication, or can they be used together? How long do they take to work? Can they have side effects?

How do supplements improve attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity? It is helpful to understand how supplements are researched. The most common method is to give either the supplement being studied or a placebo to a person, and see if ADHD symptoms improve. Researchers measure this by looking at ADHD surveys or checklists, filled out by teachers and parents. In most cases, the research shows improvements in attention and focus, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, or all of them. It is hard to predict the effect any single supplement will have on a child.
Will supplements improve symptoms as much as ADHD medication? For the most part, no. ADHD-friendly supplements are helpful, but they do not have the immediate and powerful effect on ADHD symptoms that medication does. It is hard to quantify the effectiveness of these supplements compared to medication. It is worth noting that supplements in general have far fewer side effects than medication, and less potential for severe side effects. I use supplements as part of an integrative treatment plan that includes interventions related to school, parenting, sleep, and exercise.
How long will it take to see results after starting a supplement? This varies, depending on the supplement and the child. Some families have told me that they saw improvement within days of starting fish oil; other families didn’t see any improvement after a month. I recommend waiting a few months before deciding whether or not supplements are helpful.
Do supplements have side effects? Some supplements have side effects, but they are milder and less common than the side effects of ADHD stimulants. Iron, for instance, may cause constipation or abdominal pain. It is important to notice any symptoms that occur after starting one or more supplements and consult with your physician.

[Get Free Guide to the Best Vitamins and Supplements for Managing ADHD Symptoms]

Sandy Newmark, M.D., is a member of the ADDitude ADHD Medical Review Panel.

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Nutritional Supplements for Children and Adolescents: Pros and Cons

Although the market has been saturated with nutritional supplements for decades, their safety is still questionable. Especially often questions on this topic can be heard from parents who care about the health of children of different ages. Is it acceptable to use supplements in childhood and adolescence? Are they as necessary as the manufacturers say? Let's figure it out in this article.

Not all supplements are good for a child. At every age, the body has its own needs, and this must be taken into account. The following are recommendations for supplements that will help children grow and develop properly at different stages of growing up.

Toddlers under 2

Babies from birth to 2 years of age are in dire need of vitamin B12. When they are born, they receive a small supply of this substance, but it does not last long. And this is the case if the mother ate right. If not, the vitamin is needed almost immediately - this applies to both the newborn and the young mother. Both should be taken, but only after appropriate tests and consultation with a doctor.

Equally important for the development of the baby is iron. The required level of this trace element eliminates the risk of anemia, which affects young children. This is especially true for premature babies, underweight babies and babies born to diabetic women. The need for taking such an additive is determined by the results of a blood test for hemoglobin.

It is extremely important to maintain sufficient levels of vitamins D and C in the child's blood. The first should be taken only in winter or if you live in northern latitudes where there is little sun. In summer, this is not necessary, but you need to walk a lot so that the baby spends time in the sun. This substance is responsible for the proper development of bones and the content of essential minerals in them. It is necessary to eliminate the risk of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. A deficiency can even lead to softening of the bone tissue. For its trouble-free formation, the fetus in the womb must receive vitamin D. Hence the recommendations of obstetrician-gynecologists about frequent walks for pregnant women.

Approximately the same pathology will cause a lack of calcium. You can replenish its quantity not only by taking supplements, but also by proper nutrition with an abundance of cheese, cottage cheese and, of course, milk. Calcium-rich green vegetables, pumpkin, sesame seeds.

If you do need to take a vitamin supplement, do it right. So, doctors advise to be careful with the supplement of D3 in the active form.

Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for the formation of connective tissue. It also affects the growth process and the maintenance of a satisfactory state of health during the season of colds and viruses. But you also need to be careful when giving it to small children. Some additives are acidic and can irritate the stomach.

Folic acid is another micronutrient that is prescribed from early pregnancy. It is needed for DNA replication and the formation of new cells.

Children 2-12 years old

At this age, not only physical but also mental development takes place. From the age of 10, the hormonal background gradually begins to change. A growing body needs complete proteins, carbohydrates and the same substances as in infancy.

You will need the whole complex of B vitamins, but only if the child is picky about food and does not consume all foods: fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans, nuts. Those who lean on soda and sweets, and avoid healthy dishes, should introduce supplements with these vitamins into the diet. They are needed for the formation and development of the nervous and hormonal systems.

Small-calves who don't want to eat fish need a complex with Omega-3, DHA and EPA. They are responsible for the health of the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, brain, eyes and other organs. These substances are especially useful in the symptoms of ADHD in combination with other agents.

Adolescents 12-18 years old

This period is characterized by rapid sexual development. Hormonal changes are manifested in changes in the body and psyche of the child. Girls at this stage of growing up need iron, especially those who have a menstrual cycle. Omega-3s will have a positive effect on the ability to concentrate and mood during the training period.

B vitamins are essential for both girls and young people. If the nutrition of a teenager is unbalanced, they will support the nervous system and will contribute to the process of growth and further development.

Senior schoolchildren have a high need for calcium and magnesium. Their bones continue to develop and grow stronger, they need nourishment. However, zinc supplements, which have been very popular lately, should only be taken when a teenager has medical problems. Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.

Nutritional supplements for children

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Dietary supplements for children: Find a selection of natural products Dietary supplements for children. Effectively deal with the small inconveniences of everyday life with the natural care of effective and high-quality nutritherapy.

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