"Mommy, I think Tigger must eat a lot of food dye and dairy" - our son age 4
We have found that a combination of Magnesium and B vitamins has positively impacted our son's behaviors and symptoms. I can generally tell by the end of the day if I forgot to give a dose in the morning. We use Liquid-Health-Attention (Vitacost) and liquid Fish Oil (Vitamin Shoppe). I have to admit the name of the vitamin made me question the efficacy, but after comparing numerous products I found this brand to have the most concentrated Magnesium and B Vitamins, plus Vitamin C and Zinc. There needs to be more research in this area. Drug companies lobby in Washington though, not vitamin suppliers. There are many positive changes that can occur without the use of drugs, simply by giving the body the right fuel.
From University of Maryland Medical Center.
Magnesium (200 mg per day) -- Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include irritability, decreased attention span, and mental confusion. Some experts believe that children with ADHD may be showing the effects of mild magnesium deficiency. In one preliminary study of 75 magnesium-deficient children with ADHD, those who received magnesium supplements showed an improvement in behavior compared to those who did not receive the supplements. Too much magnesium can be dangerous and magnesium can interfere with certain medications, including some antibiotics and some high blood pressure medications. Talk to your doctor.
Vitamin B6 -- Adequate levels of vitamin B6 are needed for the body to make and use brain chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, the chemicals affected in children with ADHD. One preliminary study found that B6 pyridoxine was slightly more effective than Ritalin in improving behavior among hyperactive children. However, the study used a high dose of B6, which could cause nerve damage (although none occurred in the study). Other studies have shown that B6 has no effect on behavior. Because high doses can be dangerous, do not give your child B6, or take high doses yourself, without your doctor's supervision.
Zinc (35 mg per day) -- Zinc regulates the activity of brain chemicals, fatty acids, and melatonin, all of which are related to behavior. Several studies show that zinc may help improve behavior, but only slightly. Higher doses of zinc can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor before giving zinc to a child or taking it yourself.
Essential fatty acids -- Fatty acids, such as those found in fish and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) and evening primrose oil (omega-6 fatty acids), are "good fats" that play a key role in normal brain function. Experts have suggested them as a treatment for ADHD. The results of studies are mixed, but research continues. Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for heart health in adults, but high doses may increase the risk of bleeding. If you want to try fish oil to see if it reduces ADHD symptoms in you or your child, talk to your doctor about the best dose.
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/attention-deficit-000017.htm#ixzz1npOUXDcf
