By ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the common neuro-developmental disorders that are diagnosed in children. Some common symptoms of ADHD are difficulty focusing, being forgetful and disorganized, and failing to focus on details. Although these symptoms may be treated by using prescription stimulants, a large number of people are trying to control symptoms through taking in vitamin and mineral supplements.
In this article, I will reveal some of the essential vitamins for ADHD in details, so I hope that you will keep your eyes on nutrients facts and then try to add these vitamins and nutrients to your daily diet for good.
List Of The Essential Vitamins For ADHD – The Nutrients Parents Need To Give ADHD Patients Every Day:
1. Vitamins For ADHD – Vitamin A
This is the very first agent on the list of vitamins for ADHD we would like to introduce to readers of Nutrition Kit in the article today and encourage you make use of this nutrient if you know any patient with ADHD out there for good!
Although vitamin A is not recommended for improving brain function, it can help people with ADHD in some other ways. For example, vitamin A is needed for improving vision. It bounds to the cones and rods of the eyes where it takes responsibility for capturing light as well as causing signals in the optic nerves.
2. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is important for the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and it also contributes to brain chemistry as well as central nervous system. Plus, vitamin B6 is needed for the production of some certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Some common symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency are irritability, short-term memory loss and short attention spans. Vitamin B6 supplementation for people diagnosed with ADHD is recommended. Daily intake of vitamin B6 recommended is 25-50mg.Vitamin B6 is found in legumes, brown rice, whole grains and meats. This is actually one of the best vitamins for ADHD that you should try to add to your diet for good!
3. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is needed to support neurological functions. According to a study, vitamin B12 deficiency creates some ADHD-like symptoms including confusion and memory loss.
Vitamin B12 may help improve attention and focus in people diagnosed with ADHD. Along with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 is needed for synthesizing and managing neurotransmitters.
Read More: Top 14 Best Minerals And Vitamins For Children Growth
4. Other B Vitamins
They are known as one of the essential vitamins for ADH that you should add to your diet as soon as possible. Other B vitamins are effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and maintaining overall health. Vitamin B1 is helpful in the process of converting carbohydrates into glucose. Whereas, vitamin B2 is also necessary for this conversion and vitamin B3 is important for the metabolism and helps with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals from the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Vitamins For ADHD – Vitamin C
It is one of the most important vitamins used to remove metals, chemicals and other toxics from our body through the liver. But, an unhealthy liver is less likely to use vitamin C effectively.
A diet high in sugar may reduce the absorption of vitamin C. Even in case you consume vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, lemon, vegetables, etc. and take vitamin C supplement daily, you will be able to have difficulty in absorbing the nutrients with a diet high in sugar. Cut down on sugar and you will see a positive result within a few weeks.
Apart from removing toxic substances from the body, vitamin C may be used for muscle production, boosting the immune system and fighting brain damage and cancer. Also, vitamin C improves the iron absorption and prevents the oxidation of fatty acids. Moreover, vitamin C is good for healthy brain function.
Learn More: Top 18 Health And Nutritional Benefits Of Vegetables
6. Vitamin D
The link between ADHD and vitamin D is not well-understood. The vitamin D is important for contributing to the outcome of ADHD. Firstly, vitamin D can help to improve the glutathione concentration in the brain. Glutathione is known as an antioxidant that is good for counteracting free radicals occurring in the central nervous system. And its protective activity may prevent damages to the neurons and aids to maintain brain health. Secondly, vitamin D contributes to the production of brain chemicals such as norepinephrine and dopamine. The roles of both neurotransmitters are established in the treatment of ADHD. Thirdly, vitamin D helps to enhance the activity of the choline acetyltransferase, which is responsible for the production of acetylcholine, which is known to increase attention span, and it is directly associated with the ability to focus for periods of time.
7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is important for our eye health. A lack of vitamin E can result in retinopathy, which is an eye disease. Besides, vitamin E is also an antioxidant. So, it is important for preventing harmful free radicals. It is also protective and may help to prevent structural damages in the central nervous system’s neurons.
This is one of the essential vitamins for ADHD that you should try to add to your children’s diet to reduce symptoms of ADHD.
8. Zinc
One of the best nutrients and vitamins for ADHD that you should know must include zinc. According to a study, taking zinc supplements can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. Zinc is known to manage the activity of brain chemicals, fatty acids, melatonin, and all of them are associated to behavior. Some zinc-rich foods that you should give your children are spinach, nuts, seafood and beans. Higher intake of zinc can harm your health, so you should consult with your doctor before taking zinc supplements.
9. Magnesium
People with ADHD often have lower magnesium levels, thus taking magnesium supplements can support you to alleviate the hyperactive behavior as well as improve attention and focus. Magnesium can help with the central nervous system, which is good for children with ADHD. Magnesium is a key factor in the serotonin production. And you also need to know that serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that enhances the feeling of well-being and calm.
A study found that 95% of children with ADHD had lack of magnesium. Those with lower magnesium levels showed more symptoms of hyperactivity. Therefore, you may want to feed your children more foods that contain magnesium such as pumpkin, cashews and almonds. You can also give them magnesium supplement. In some studies, vitamin B6 was also required along with magnesium supplement to see an improvement in treating symptoms of ADHD.
10. L-carnitine
It is created from an amino acid and supports body cells to produce energy. A study involving children with ADHD found that 54% of them had behavior development when taking in L-carnitine.
As L-carnitine is surely not safe for children, so you should consult with your doctor before giving it to your children. In fact, it is one of the best nutrients and vitamins for ADHD that you should not skip out when you are trying to reduce symptoms of ADHD.
11. Essential Fatty Acids
Fatty acids such as omega-3s and evening primrose oil are good fats. All of them play a vital role in boosting normal brain function. Some experts have suggested that you should use omega-3 fatty acids as a home remedy for ADHD. These healthy fatty acids are found in fish as well as fish oil supplements. Nonetheless, you have to consult with your doctor to make sure that it is good for you.
Read More: Top 15 Best Healthy Fish Recipes For People To Consume
12. Iron
Iron deficiency is common in people with ADHD. Although it is not clear whether an iron deficiency can contribute to ADHD or whether people with ADHD have a more difficult time in absorbing iron; however, people who have lack of iron are more likely to experience symptoms of cognitive impairment and irritability. Moreover, many people with low iron also experience symptoms of learning disabilities.
In fact, iron is one of the best nutrients and vitamins for ADHD that you should consider adding to your diet as soon as possible.
13. Protein
Protein is necessary for healthy brain function. When you do not have enough protein, your brain will starve. A protein deficiency also causes greater surges in blood sugar levels, which may result in hyperactivity. People with ADHD should consume pork, beef, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and dairy products in their diet for benefits on concentration and hyperactivity. Also, try to add protein-rich foods to your every meal for the greatest benefits.
This is one of the essential nutrients and vitamins for ADHD that you should know and consider adding to your diet as soon as possible.
14. Probiotics
One of the essential nutrients and vitamins for ADHD that you should not skip out must include probiotics. Some studies suggest that people with ADHD have a high level of unhealthy bacteria in their intestines. These harmful bacteria can cause a variety of symptoms in their brains. Scientists are not sure the reason why these intestinal bacteria can play a vital role in the mental health; however, some evidence have proven that when people with ADHD take in supplement with probiotics, their symptoms can be improved.
15. Pycnogenol
It is an extract that is made from pine bark. It was found to sharpen attention, improve concentration, lessen hyperactivity as well as improve visual-motor co-ordination after taking in supplementing with the pycnogenol for one month.
This is one of the best nutrients and vitamins for ADHD that you should not miss out when you are trying to deal with symptoms of ADHD.
16. Tyrosine
It is an amino acid that can prevent distraction and improve motivation. It is good for synthesizing neurotransmitters in our brain associated with motivation and mood. This amino acid is found in some certain foods such as cheese, nuts, fish, turkey and supplement form.
High doses of vitamins and minerals to treat ADHD have never been proven effective. Also, although they may be harmless, vitamins and minerals are still drugs and they should be taken in with care. Some certain combinations could be toxic or interact with other medications. So, readers of Nutrition Kit should consult with your doctor before starting taking in vitamin supplements, especially in high doses. If you know any of the other vitamins For ADHD, remember to share with other readers by leaving your comment in the comment section below.
