Are ADHD Vitamins Beneficial For Treating ADHD?

Can common supplements, sometimes referred to as "ADHD vitamins", be used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Concerned parents who have ADHD kids often pose such a question on blogs and sites such as Yahoo Answers. ADHD is a mental-related problem in which people affected by it have problems of attention, impulsivity with or without hyperactivity. Scientists are still puzzled as to it causes but many of them believe it is genetic in nature. Other possible causes include watching too much television at a young age, drug use or anemia during pregnancy, and iron deficiency.

Over the years, a number of studies were conducted to establish the effectiveness of using nutritional supplements as a form of treatment for ADHD. Nutritional supplements such as minerals and vitamins have been studied in recent years for their abilities to enhance mental focus and control hyperactivity. The results thus far are mixed, but some doctors have gone ahead and prescribed ADHD vitamins to their ADHD patients.

Omega-3, which can be found in fish, such as salmon and tuna, other marine life such as algae and krill, certain plants, and nut oils, is more often than not the first ADHD vitamin to be prescribed for people with ADHD. Patients have reported good mental focus after consuming omega-3 for a period of time. Restoring fatty acid balance in the body of people with ADHD is deemed necessary because this group of people often experience problems in converting essential fatty acids. In 2003, a study, which was published in Nutritional Neuroscience, suggested that omega-3 fatty acids broke down more easily in people with ADHD. Another study, published a year later in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, suggested that children with ADHD were more likely to have low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids than normal children.

Ordinary supplements such as magnesium, calcium and vitamin B complex are sometimes reported as beneficial for treating ADHD. The rationale is that both calcium and magnesium have a calming effect while B vitamins are required for proper brain function.

Organic spirulina is another type of ADHD vitamin that some people recommend. Spirulina, which is sometimes called "The World's Healthiest Food, boasts 60% all-vegetable protein, essential vitamins and phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene, sulfolipids, glycolipids and polysaccharides. It also boast the rare essential fatty acid GLA which can also be found in mother's milk and in evening primrose.

It is recommended that people with ADHD should not take the following items - apple cider vineger, butter, ham, candy, milk, salami, hot dogs, soy sauce, mustard and junk food. They should also keep a distance from foods that contain artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives and monosodium glutamate.

Indulging in outdoor physical activities are also deemed positive for the treatment of ADHD, besides taking ADHD vitamins. The idea behind these exercises is to develop social skills and improve motor incoordination.