Stimulant drugs are the first line hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment for attention deficit. Typical ADHD signs include hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and concentration problems.
Researchers have recently studied many different supplements which may help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD.
In this post, we detail the work into some of the more effective ADHD treatments for hormones, diets, and herbals.
Hormone, vitamin, and mineral supplements
Research shows that the levels of certain vitamins and minerals are often lower in people with ADHD. Given that, there is currently no conclusive evidence that deficiencies in minerals cause ADHD.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are in some cases a result of treatment for ADHD. Stimulant drugs, for example, can reduce appetite, which can lead to a reduction in a person’s appetite.
Many deficiencies in nutrients can also exacerbate ADHD, or cause symptoms that resemble the disease.
Scientists are studying the efficacy of the following hormone, nutritional, and herbal supplements in treating ADHD:
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone which regulates the process of the sleep-wake. It may be helpful for the ADHD sub-set that experts believe experience sleep disturbances.
Sleep disturbances are in many cases a side effect of stimulant drugs that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. Stimulants function by increasing both brain and central nervous activity.
While this also improves ADHD symptoms, it can lead to the following problems in sleep:
- Difficulty getting to sleep and waking up in
- daytime sleepless
- Waking up throughout the night
In a study of 2019 melatonin was examined in ADHD children, who had problems with sleep due to use of the methylphenidate stimulant. For at least four weeks, all 74 participants had various melanin doses.
In order to determine success in care, the researchers used parental records. Melatonin has improved sleep problems effectively for 60.8% of participants, according to the reports.
Vitamin D
For healthy brain growth and functioning, vitamin D plays a vital role. Many studies have established links to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD between the vitamin D deficiency.
In a test of 2018, children with and without ADHD contrasted vitamin D levels. Those with ADHD had substantially lower blood levels of vitamin D as well as a vitamin D deficiency.
The researchers split children who had a deficiency of vitamin D into two classes during the second phase of the study. In one group, participants received a vitamin D supplement 8-week course while in the other group participants received a placebo course.
In contrast with children who received placebo, children receiving the supplements displayed substantial improved focus, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
These results suggest that the supplementation of vitamin D can improve the symptoms of ADHD in vitamin D deficient children. Further studies are, however, required to confirm this theory.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral which plays a significant role in the function of the brain.
Symptoms similar to ADHD may occur in children with zinc deficiencies.
Examples include discomfort, carelessness and delayed cognostic development.
A correlation between zinc deficiency and ADHD has been documented in several studies in children. A 2015 research review found that zinc supplements may help treat symptoms of ADHD in kids with zinc deficiency.
However, the influence of zinc on ADHD symptoms in young or not zinc-deficient adults is still not evident.
Iron
The chemical dopamine of the brain is required for the production of iron. Research shows that people with ADHD appear to have decreased dopamine levels in the brain.
Thus, iron deficiency can play a part in ADHD, suggests some researchers. In a 2018 study, the iron levels in children with and without ADHD were measured in 17 studies.
In the study, iron deficiency children were most often affected by ADHD. In addition, iron deficiency and more serious ADHD symptoms were related in kids with ADHD.
These results indicate that iron supplements can help children with ADHD who have a iron deficiency. However, further studies are necessary to establish whether this is the case.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (EFAs) are important in the health of the brain. For the defense of brain tissue and the connectivity between brain cells, Omega 3 is particularly important.
The effects of the ADHD medication in children and young adults were discussed during a 2017 study by omega-3 and omega-6.
There were 16 controlled trials on randomized screening. Participants were either given an EFA supplement or a placebo in each of these studies.
Thirteen of the trials showed improvement by participants taking EFA supplements:
- attention
- visual learning
- short-term memory
- hyperactivity
- impulsivity
Importantly, a review by 2016 found that the imbalance of children with ADHD is not a deficiency in EFAs. Generally, omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids have a higher ratio.
The review authors suggest that it is more important to deal with this imbalance than simply to increase EFA intake.
Additional natural remedies
As potential treatments for ADHD, the following herbal supplements are also investigated.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is the French maritime pine’s bark component. Component. A review in 2016 found that pycnogenol can improve symptoms of ADHD, according to a small number of randomized controlled trials.
Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant, according to the authors of the review, which can reduce cell damage and improve blood flow to parts of the brain that play an role in ADHD.
Nonetheless, further studies are needed to support the treatment of ADHD with pycnogenol.
Ginkgo biloba
Biloba Ginkgo is a plant deriving from the G seeds. biloba vine. Biloba tree. This herb has chemicals known as trilactones of terpene. Research suggests that these molecules help prevent brain cell damage and make dopamine available in the brain more available.
The impact of ginkgo biloba on childhood ADHD were investigated in a small study in 2013.
Taking a combined 240 mg ginkgo daily dose for 3-5 weeks changed the ADHD symptoms. It was identified. The child’s concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness improved according to the findings of the parents.
Nonetheless, the study was limited and there was no placebo control and there were only 20 participants. Well-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits of ADHD for ginkgo.
While no adverse effects of herbal extract have been reported by the study, the National Institutes of Health lists:
- gastrointestinal upset
- nausea
- diarrhea
- headaches
- dizziness
- allergic reactions
Ginkgo may not be suitable for individuals with blood clotting problems or taking drugs, because it is also a possible blood thinner.
Conclusion
As alternative therapies for ADHD several different kinds of treatments are promising. However, there are still early research into these supplements.
More clinical trials with more patients are needed to better understand how these ADHD supplements are effective and safe.