Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, affects millions of children and adults in the U.S. The disorder is most often treated with prescription medications such as Adderall or Ritalin.
However, medications alone aren't always the answer. Whether the person suffering from ADD is already on medications and seeking to augment her treatment with natural methods, or simply wants to try vitamins before going on medication, there are options available. According to recent medical studies, there are several vitamin-based options to help with ADD.
B Vitamins
Taking a vitamin B supplement can help with the symptoms of ADD. Vitamin B12 in particular is important, as it aids in cell division within the brain. B6 is a viable option for treating ADD as well, according to the University of Michigan Health System. B vitamins are relatively inexpensive, and available as supplements at most grocery stores. Foods like eggs, fish and milk are natural sources rich in B vitamins.
Omega-3
According to the ADD website BornToExplore.org, most people who have ADD also have a deficiency in the essential fatty acids collectively termed Omega-3. These fatty acids are essential to , since both dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain are composed of DHA, one of the fatty acids in Omega-3. ADD, as well as other behavioral or mood disorders, involve problems with dopamine and serotonin regulation, so incorporating an Omega-3 supplement into ADD treatment can be a great help. These supplements are also widely available at groceries and pharmacies.
Flavonoids
P.M. Kidd's study on PubNet also suggests flavonoids as important vitamins to help with ADD. Flavonoids are a type of secondary metabolite that can be found in many fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, pears and even parsley. Teas, especially green tea, are also an excellent source of flavonoids. Pills containing ginkgo as a supplement will also deliver flavonoids essential to brain health and treating ADD.
Magnesium
The University of Michigan highly recommends magnesium to ADD. According to a preliminary study cited on their website, magnesium given to hyperactive children with ADD produced substantial reduction in the symptom. The UM recommends a dose of 200 mg per day for treating ADD. As with the other supplements, magnesium is available--often included as an ingredient in daily multivitamins--at nearly any grocery or pharmacy.
Zinc
Another vitamin mentioned in the University of Michigan's study is zinc. A study showed that 15 mg of zinc per day over a period of six weeks produced noticeable behavioral changes in children with ADD. Zinc, like magnesium, is often included in multivitamin pills, or in multimineral tablets, both of which are relatively inexpensive and very easy to find.
Considerations
These are only a few of many vitamins known to help with ADD. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADD and plan to begin taking supplements, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor first. While the five vitamin supplements listed here have been the object of study in helping with ADD, a physician is the person who can find a vitamin approach suited to individual lifestyle and needs.
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