Magnesium
This mineral is also a player in the synthesis of brain hormones, most notably dopamine and serotonin, whose levels are regularly found to be outside the normal range in people with ADHD. A recent study of twenty-five children with ADHD found that seventy-two percent of them were magnesium-deficient and that supplementation improved cognitive function and decreased hyperactivity. (13, 14)
Learn about the 7 forms of magnesium.
Vitamin D
Children with ADHD have been shown to have a marked depletion of vitamin D and vitamin D receptors.
“…vitamin D deficiency has been associated with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Vitamin D has been reported to have effects on brain development and function as a neuroimmunomodulator leading to behavioral and neuropsychiatric diseases…Several studies have found an evidence to suggest that vitamin D supports normal brain growth, increases neuroprotection, and modulates matrix metalloproteinases and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, which are vital components for the brain.” (15)
Vitamin D deficiency has been called a global pandemic. For children with (or at risk of developing) ADHD, there’s all the more reason to take back the electronics and tell the kids to go outside and play in the sunshine. Click here for a list of foods that are rich in vitamin D.
Zinc
Zinc is another important nutrient involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Studies of zinc supplementation in conjunction with conventional amphetamine drugs have shown a greater reduction in ADHD symptoms than with medication alone. (16)
While the exact connections are unclear, it has become apparent that zinc deficiency affects cognitive development, presumably due to the many functions it plays in the biochemical mechanisms of melatonin and dopamine. (17)
Understandably, there is no quick one-pill fix for ADHD. Rather, the body of knowledge surrounding nutrient deficiencies in those who display ADHD symptoms suggest they are usually concurrent. If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, consult with your healthcare provider for nutrient testing to find out if any deficiencies exist.