A recent study offers encouraging news for parents of children with ADHD. Researchers have discovered that a straightforward supplement containing essential vitamins and minerals—similar to a multivitamin—can significantly improve various ADHD symptoms in many children. This safe and low-risk option could potentially benefit around six million kids in the United States diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP), the study involved a triple-blind, randomized trial examining the effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation on the behavior of 135 children aged 6 to 12 diagnosed with ADHD. One group received a “broad-spectrum micronutrient supplement containing all known vitamins and essential minerals,” while the other group was given a placebo. The eight-week study included children who were not on any ADHD medications at the time.
Promising Findings
The findings were promising: children taking the micronutrients reported improvements in their ADHD symptoms at a rate three times higher than those on the placebo (54% vs. 18%). Parents noted significant enhancements in behaviors related to anxiety, aggression, irritability, emotional regulation, sleep, and anger. Lead researcher, Dr. Emily Carter, an Assistant Professor at the National University of Natural Medicine, stated, “Supplementing with all known vitamins and essential minerals at doses between the Recommended Daily Allowance and Upper Tolerable Limit may improve mood and concentration in children with ADHD and emotional dysregulation.” These results are consistent with similar research conducted in New Zealand, providing hope for families seeking integrative treatments for ADHD.
Growth Benefits
Additionally, the study revealed that children taking the supplements experienced more significant growth than those on the placebo. After adjusting for initial height, the vitamin group grew an average of 6 mm taller. Dr. Carter added, “This growth finding is particularly encouraging, as height suppression is a concern with first-line ADHD medications.”
Given that approximately one-third of children do not respond to standard treatments, and many experience side effects, this new option could be a valuable alternative. Dr. Mark Thompson, a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at Ohio State University, noted, “No treatment is 100% effective for all children with ADHD. It’s heartening that a substantial number of children benefitted from this relatively safe treatment.” However, the researchers emphasized the need for further studies to explore how vitamins and minerals can help manage ADHD and identify specific behaviors they influence.
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Conclusion
In summary, the research highlights a simple vitamin and mineral supplement as a potential aid for many children with ADHD, demonstrating significant improvements in behavior and growth without the side effects associated with traditional medications. Further investigation is warranted to understand the full impact of these nutrients on ADHD symptoms.