Nutrient Deficiency ADHD & Behavior

11% of children between the ages of four and seventeen are at risk for neurobehavioral issues and poor academic, social, and occupational success, according to the CDC. 1 Furthermore, if behavioral problems are not addressed early in childhood, they may manifest in adulthood. 2

Key nutrients and minerals provide important structural and functional support for brain growth and development. Chronic deficiencies in long-chain fatty acids (omega-3s), magnesium, and zinc, are associated with those children struggling with attention, focus, and behavior issues. Supplementation with these nutrients improves student performance.

Direct correlation has been found between the diets of pregnant and lactating women, and their children relate to the development of the brain, eye, and nervous system.

Nutrient Deficiency and Neurobehavioral Research

Chang JC,et al .Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017 Jul 25; (e-pub).

Children with ADHD have lower initial levels of DHA, EPA, and total n-3 PUFAs. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids shows improvements in focus and attention.

Conclusion: Omega-3 PUFA supplementationimproves clinical symptoms and cognitive performance in children with ADHD.

Villagomez A,et al .Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Children Presenting with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder .Children(Basel). 2014 Sep 29;1(3):261-79.

Found that children with ADHDhave reduced levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium.

Konikowska K,et al .The Influence of Components of Diet on the Symptoms of ADHD in Children .Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2012;63(2): 127-34.

Conclusion: Chronic deficiencies of certain minerals:zinc, iron, magnesium, iodine, and insufficient intake of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, have a significant impact on the development and severity of childhood ADHD.

Providing Nutritional Support: Omega 3s, Zinc....

Clinical evidence demonstrates a correlation between nutritional deficiencies attention span, cognitive performance, and student behavior. Nutritional support with omega-3s, zinc, magnesium, and iodine shows promise in altering the behavior, attention and cognitive performance in these children.* Nutrition stats with a healthy diet. Dr Craig can help you with diet planning and even finding the nutritional deficiencies with several of his in office test procedures that target minerals such as zinc, iodine and calcium and hair testing for mineral and toxic metals.

References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

2. Klein, RG. Clinical and Functional Outcome of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 33 Years Later.Arch Gen Psychiatry . 2012 Dec; 69(12):1295-303.

3. Konikowska, K. The Influence of Components of Diet on the Symptoms of ADHD in Children.Rocz Panstw Zaki Hig . 2012; 63(2): 127-34.

4. Benedetto Vitiello. Understanding the Risk of Using Medications for ADHD with Respect to Physical Growth and Cardiovascular Risk.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N AM . 2008 Apr; 17(2): 459-xi.