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Supplements for ADHD Children

Dealing with children who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a difficult and challenging issue that often results in the use of a pharmaceutical intervention, but there is some evidence to suggest that natural compounds may have the desired impact on behavior. There are many myths and folk remedies that persist, but the science behind a number of compounds should give parents hope. Recent research has presented findings that may change the treatment used for children with ADHD.

  1. The Facts

    • ADHD is a significant problem, not only for the affected child and his or her parents, but very often impacts classmates, teachers and school administrators. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), "ADHD affects 3 to 12 percent of children in the United States" (see Reference 1). In an effort to provide children with a natural remedy, many parents tried St. John's wort, but it is not the panacea that struggling parents hoped for. As a result, other natural alternatives to prescription drugs are desperately sought by millions of families. Two specific compounds---Pycnogenol and highly unsaturated essential fatty acids (HUEFA)---present clinical results that are encouraging.

    Significance

    • A Nutrition & Food Science study in 2005 purported to reveal at least some of the underlying nutritional causes of ADHD. Researchers identified a combination of micronutrient and essential fatty acid deficiencies that were consistent among children with ADHD (see Reference 2). Another study conducted in 2007 revealed further clues to the causes behind ADHD by discovering hormonal imbalances presented by children with the condition. These imbalances appeared to be linked to the behavior of children with the disorder and were at least partly responsible for the moodiness, restlessness, anger and irritability shown by these children (see Reference 3).

    Function

    • By including dietary micronutrient supplementation and omega-3, researchers in the 2005 study found a direct decrease in the frequency of ADHD behavioral symptoms. The research group in 2007 conducted a placebo-controlled test of a compound called Pycnogenol®. Pycnogenol is a pine bark extract that is taken orally. The results of the study "show[ed] Pycnogenol balances stress hormones, which lowers adrenaline and dopamine, resulting in a decrease of ADHD [among the study participants]" (see Reference 2).

    Types

    • Despite the positive results from using micronutrient supplementation, omega-3 and Pycnogenol in cases of ADHD, the fact remains that not all children were helped by these interventions. Other natural alternatives exist that have served as folk remedies for many years and have a considerable amount of anecdotal evidence to suggest that they may work. In a Los Angeles Times article from 2008, Chris Woolston reports on a number of supplements that are purported to help calm hyperactive children. Woolston includes omega-3 in his report, but also includes herbs such as lemon balm and catnip, and a plant extract known as soy phospholipids.

    Considerations

    • Children who are currently under the care of a practitioner or have been prescribed Ritalin should not deviate from their treatment course without discussing it with their physician. In addition, any plans that parents have to try various supplement regimens on their children should be discussed with the child's primary care provider. In all cases, there is a chance for drug interactions and complications, so avoid combining supplements with pharmaceuticals unless directed to by a qualified practitioner.

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