When the doctor tells you that your child has ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), you, as a mother or father, probably feel a lot of different things. In addition to the medications the doctor prescribes, have you ever wondered if this condition could be controlled with food, drinks, and vitamins ? You may have heard about such 'natural' treatments on the Internet and from friends. So today, let's talk about the truth or not of this vitamin and supplement story.
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The most important thing to understand first
There are a few things we all need to understand before giving a vitamin or supplement.
Not everything that says "natural" is safe is safe . Some vitamins and herbs can interact with your child's ADHD medication and cause dangerous side effects . Also, nothing is a substitute for ADHD treatment recommended by a doctor.
Therefore, before giving your child any vitamin, supplement , or Ayurvedic herb , be sure to talk to your doctor . He or she is the one who knows whether it is appropriate for your child, how much to give, and whether it will cause problems with the medication you are taking.
Okay, now let's see what the research says about this.
What about Zinc?
Some research has found that children with ADHD may have slightly lower zinc levels than other children. Also, some studies have shown that children taking medication for ADHD showed some improvement in their symptoms when given zinc supplements.
Especially the child'sSeveral studies have shown that zinc can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity . However, those studies did not show any significant difference in inattentiveness , a key feature of ADHD. However, another study from 2005 also showed a link between zinc levels and the amount of attention a child reports as reported by parents and teachers.
What foods are rich in zinc?
You can add zinc-rich foods to your child's diet.
- Seafood like oysters
- Red meat, poultry
- Milk and dairy foods
- Legumes like beans, peas, and lentils
- Nuts like pumpkin seeds and cashews
- Whole grains (e.g., brown rice, oats)
Are there any benefits to fish oil and Omega-3?
Fish oil, or omega -3 fatty acids , is also a hot topic in the ADHD community. Some research suggests that fish oil supplements may help improve the mental skills of children with ADHD between the ages of 8 and 12. For example, it may help improve the ability to organize tasks.
One study, which combined fish oil and evening primrose oil, showed significant improvements in hyperactivity, inattention, clarity of thought, and overall behavior in children with ADHD aged 7-12 years.
Types of fish rich in Omega-3:
- Salmon
- Albacore tuna
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Trout
- Sardines
Other popular natural supplements
Apart from these, there are other herbs and supplements that are talked about. But the scientific evidence for them is often lacking. Let's look at a few of them.
| Supplement/Herb | What the research says |
|---|---|
| St. John's Wort | This is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like depression. However, research has clearly shown that it has no effect on ADHD symptoms . Therefore, it is not recommended. |
| American Ginseng and Ginkgo Leaf | One study using a combination of the two showed some improvement in ADHD symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm this. |
| Melatonin | Some medications for ADHD can cause children to have trouble falling asleep. Researchers say melatonin can help with such sleep problems. But it has no effect on ADHD symptoms. |
| GABA and Inositol | These have not yet been proven to help with ADHD, and it is not known exactly how safe they are. |
| Iron | There is a belief that children with ADHD may have iron deficiency. So while some people think that giving iron will reduce symptoms, this has not been proven. Giving iron without medical advice is very dangerous. |
A very important warning!
Some parents believe that ADHD symptoms are caused by a lack of something in their child's diet. However, there is no definitive proof that any particular food or supplement can improve the condition.
Be careful: Do not give your child any supplements, especially iron, without talking to your doctor. Too much iron is very toxic. It can even be life-threatening for your child. If you suspect iron overload, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately, or if necessary, call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital.
Megadoses of vitamins or minerals can do more harm than good, so always follow your doctor's advice.
Take-Home Message
- Don't be fooled by the word "natural." Not everything natural is safe for everyone, all the time.
- Do not stop taking your doctor-prescribed ADHD medication and start taking supplements like these. These are not a substitute for your doctor's prescribed medication.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor and get permission before giving your child any vitamin, supplement, or herb.
- There is some good research on some supplements, such as zinc and fish oil, but even those should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.
- Giving your child too much of a vitamin or mineral can do more harm than good, so be sure to know exactly what dosage to give.
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