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Author: [Mitamins Team]

Email: [bd@...]

Website Address: [www.mitamins.com]

Article URL: [http://blog.mitamins.com/?t=40]

Word Count: [886]

The article is preformatted to 60 CPL.

Copyright: ©2005 [Mitamins Team]. All rights reserved.

Keywords: [ADHD, treatment of ADHD]

Preview: [The role of diet in ADHD is controversial, and a number of
theories such as an association with high sugar intake, have now been
disproved. Evidence for the support of Omega 3 fatty acids, and
adequate iron intake is now growing ¨C we review the situation.]

Category: [health]

Title: [ADHD and Supplements]



-------------------- ARTICLE START -------------------------



ADHD and Supplements



It is startling to know that 3 to 7 percent of children in

the US suffer from ADHD <http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html> or
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
<http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html>

Disorder. This means it affects over 2 million children in

America, that is, one in every class of 25 would have ADHD.

This condition is usually diagnosed in the pre-school and

early school years. Children with these symptoms are

unusually fidgety and restless. They could even have

problems paying attention in school, waiting in lines or

taking turns. Some children could be very aggressive. ADHD

is usually diagnosed more in boys that girls, but that could

be because girls tend to be quieter and less aggressive than

boys. In girls it could manifest itself as talkativeness

rather than aggression.



The U.S. Surgeon General has defined ADHD as a metabolic

form of encephalopathy. The disease weakens the release and

homeostasis of neurological chemicals, reducing the function

of the limbic system. Other relevant research however points

out that some part of the brain could be involved. These are

the frontal lobes, their connections to the basal ganglia,

the central aspects of the cerebellum and the middle or

medial aspect of the frontal lobe.



Four types of ADHD types have been recognized. These are the

Predominantly Inattentive <http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html> ,
Predominantly <http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html>

Hyperactive-Impulsive <http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html> , and
Combined Type of ADHD <http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html>

(hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive) and ADHD Not

Otherwise Specified. As a person gets older, the symptoms of

ADHD could reduce, but many children diagnosed with ADHD

retain this disorder into adulthood too. It is then known as

Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder or AADD. In adults, it

manifests itself in the need to be physically busy all time,

excessive talking, interrupting others, risk taking,

speaking out without regard to the consequences and even

daydreaming.



The research into the causes of ADHD has thrown up a number

of issues. Primarily it seems that both genetic and

environmental factors play a role in ADHD. Significantly,

research has shown that many critical food deficiencies

could cause the problem. These could be as varied as

deficiency of essential Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidant

vitamins like Vitamin C, iron and even zinc. This suggests a

role for suppmentation in the treatment of ADHD
<http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html>



Omega 3 deficiency may lead to behavioral problems that are

linked with ADHD. Some ADHD children show other symptoms

connected with Omega 3 deficiency, such as dry skin and

hair, thirst and even frequent urination. Trials in

supplementing Omega 3 in children with ADHD revealed some

surprising results. Over a period of time, fish oil

supplements were given to a group of children and a placebo

to another set. The children with fish oil supplements

showed remarkable improvements in attentiveness and other

attributes. Academic results were much better with better

scores in reading, spelling, mathematics and other skills.

No such improvements were seen in children given the

placebo. Thus Omega 3 rich supplements such as fish oil

could be a solution to help children with ADHD. Some

researchers feel babies who are breast-fed have a lower

chance of developing ADHD later because it is rich in Omega

3.



Children with ADHD usually suffer from food allergies. They

could be losing vital vitamins, iron and even zinc because

of their allergy to dairy products, wheat, corn, yeast, soy,

citrus, eggs, chocolate, peanuts and artificial colors and

preservatives. It has been seen that ADHD children lose zinc

when exposed to a food dye. In a study that eliminated these

allergens in the diet of some children, the majority of the

children showed lower levels of hyperactivity. Once these

were added back to diet, the problems associated with ADHD

once again returned.



Research has also shown that iron levels are low in children

suffering from ADHD. The children¡¯s serum ferritin

levels were measured to determine their iron status. It was

seen that one-third of the ADHD children had a very low

range of iron levels. It was noticed that the lower the iron

levels, the higher were the severity of the ADHD symptoms.

The researchers concluded that low iron stores might explain

some ADHD cases. Iron supplements could be given but proper

testing is required before doing so, because excess iron

stored in the body can cause several other problems.



Supplements of zinc and zinc sulpahate have proved

successful in the treatment of ADHD in small trials - more

results are awaited. In the mean time, a good idea would be

to remove additives from the diet along with all foods that

the child could be allergic to. This could improve the

absorption of natural zinc present in foods.



Vitamin C could also be supplemented in the treatment of

ADHD, because sometimes it is not easily absorbed from

natural foods. However, once again it might be good idea to

remove additives and allergy-causing foods from the diet.

This would result in better Vitamin C absorption.



Most ADHD children are on some prescribed drug or the other.

Should drug interactions with dietary supplements be a

concern? New research indicates that more often than not,

mixing doesn't produce side effects that are serious enough

to warrant concern.



Most research indicates that a balanced diet rich in omega

3, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, free from toxins,

would be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD in children.

What goes in seems to be so important to the proper

functioning of the body and mind.









Author Bio:



Mitamins Team

bd@...



Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies

to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our

unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas

into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose

and interactions.



Treatment of ADHD <http://www.mitamins.com/disease/ADHD.html>



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