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Nutrition to Support symptoms of ADHD

What Has the Best Evidence?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often treated with medication and behavioral therapy, but there's growing interest in nutritional support as part of a comprehensive care plan. Certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in brain function, dopamine regulation, and neurodevelopment.

 

Research shows that correcting specific Nutrient deficiencies may improve

symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

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Most well-studied Nutrients for ADHD, supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical trials.

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1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

  • Omega-3s, especially EPA, are involved in brain cell structure and neurotransmission.

  • Supplementation has been shown to improve attention, reduce hyperactivity, and enhance emotional regulation, particularly in children with low baseline omega-3 levels.

  • High-EPA formulations (EPA ≥ 500 mg/day) show the most significant benefits.

📘 Evidence:

  • Chang et al. (2018) found omega-3s had a small but significant effect in reducing ADHD symptoms.

  • Bloch & Qawasmi (2011) concluded omega-3s were effective, especially high-EPA types.

 

 

2. Vitamin D

  • Essential for brain development and immune regulation.

  • Low vitamin D levels are common in children with ADHD and linked to worse symptoms.

  • Supplementation may improve attention, mood, and emotional control, especially in those who are deficient.

📘 Evidence:

  • Mohammadpour et al. (2018) showed vitamin D improved ADHD symptoms in deficient children.

  • Gan et al. (2019) confirmed a high prevalence of deficiency in ADHD populations.

 

 

3. Iron (Ferritin)

  • Iron is critical for dopamine production—a key neurotransmitter involved in attention and behavior.

  • Low ferritin (iron storage) is associated with more severe symptoms, even without anemia.

  • Supplementation improves hyperactivity and inattention, especially if ferritin is below 30 ng/mL.

📘 Evidence:

  • Konofal et al. (2004) found lower ferritin levels in children with ADHD.

  • Wang et al. (2017) supported iron supplementation for symptom improvement.

 

 

4. Zinc

  • Involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions, including dopamine metabolism.

  • Supplementation may help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, and support the response to stimulant medications.

  • May be most effective in those with dietary insufficiency or low zinc levels.

📘 Evidence:

  • Arnold et al. (2011) and Mahmoud et al. (2011) reported improvements in ADHD symptoms with zinc.

 

 

5. Magnesium

  • Plays a role in calming the nervous system, supporting sleep, and reducing anxiety or irritability.

  • Often low in children with ADHD.

  • Works synergistically with zinc and vitamin B6.

📘 Evidence:

  • Starobrat-Hermelin & Kozielec (1997) observed reduced hyperactivity with magnesium treatment.

  • Mousain-Bosc et al. (2006) showed behavioral improvements in magnesium-deficient children.

 

 

6. Saffron Extract

  • Derived from the Crocus sativus flower, saffron contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

  • Studies suggest it may improve attention, sleep, and emotional regulation—with effects comparable to Ritalin in some small trials.

📘 Evidence:

  • Baziar et al. (2019) found saffron extract as effective as methylphenidate.

  • Khaksarian et al. (2021) supported saffron’s role in managing ADHD symptoms.

 

 

7. Vitamin B6 & B12

  • Important for neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine).

  • Less directly studied in isolation, but frequently included in broader treatment protocols.

  • B6 may be particularly helpful when used alongside magnesium.

📘 Evidence:

  • Ghanizadeh et al. (2013) noted potential benefit in B-vitamin combos.

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While no supplement is a replacement for evidence-based treatments like medication or therapy, many nutrients show promise in supporting ADHD symptom management, particularly when deficiencies are identified and corrected.

 

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Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation, especially in kids. 

 

 

 

References

Arnold, L. E., DiSilvestro, R. A., Bozzolo, H., Bozzolo, D. R., Crowl, L., & Ramadan, Y. (2011). Zinc for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Placebo-controlled double-blind pilot trial alone and combined with amphetamine. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 21(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2010.0073

Baziar, S., Jafari, P., Kianifar, H. R., et al. (2019). Saffron (Crocus sativus) versus methylphenidate in treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, double-blind study. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 29(3), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2018.0146

Bloch, M. H., & Qawasmi, A. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(10), 991–1000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2011.06.008

Gan, J., Galer, P., Ma, D., & Kwok, J. Y. Y. (2019). Association of vitamin D deficiency with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutritional Neuroscience, 22(10), 716–726. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2018.1434132

Ghanizadeh, A., Berk, M., & Torabi-Nami, M. (2013). Vitamin B6 and magnesium in treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/386024

Khaksarian, M., Behzadifar, M., Keshavarz, M., et al. (2021). The efficacy and safety of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101348

Konofal, E., Lecendreux, M., Arnulf, I., & Mouren, M. C. (2004). Iron deficiency in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 158(12), 1113–1115. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.158.12.1113

Mohammadpour, N., Jazayeri, S., Tehrani-Doost, M., et al. (2018). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(9), 914–922. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12847

Mousain-Bosc, M., Roche, M., Polge, A., Rapin, J., & Bali, J. P. (2006). Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium–vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Magnesium Research, 19(1), 46–52.

Starobrat-Hermelin, B., & Kozielec, T. (1997). The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Magnesium Research, 10(2), 149–156.

Wang, Y., Huang, L., Zhang, L., et al. (2017). Iron status in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 12(1), e0169145. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169145

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