Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the most common childhood neurodevelopmental condition, affects millions of US children. The number of children diagnosed with ADHD increases with age - teens are over six times as likely as younger children to be diagnosed. Boys are twice as likely as girls to have the condition.
The cause of ADHD in children is presumed to be multifactorial, with genetics, environment, and lifestyle playing roles. Scientists are researching the dietary habits of children with ADHD and are finding that nutrition and nutrient deficiencies may contribute.
ADHD presents challenges for the child and the parent. This article will help you learn more about ADHD, nutrition, and micronutrient testing in children so you can feel empowered to work with your healthcare provider to implement individualized nutrition strategies that may minimize ADHD symptoms.
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What is ADHD?
The most common neurodevelopmental condition in children is ADHD. The formal diagnostic criteria for ADHD are described in the DSM-5, but common behaviors are:
Impulsivity: children may have difficulty waiting their turn, may interrupt, or blurt out answers to questions that have not been fully asked
Inattention: children may have difficulty with listening skills, may lose items, may be forgetful, or have a reduced attention span
Overactivity: children may squirm, fidget, or be restless, may have difficulty staying seated, may be very talkative and unable to play quietly
What is The Role of Micronutrients and ADHD in Children
Scientists have demonstrated that a large proportion of children have various micronutrient deficiencies. Since micronutrients are essential to proper brain development and neurotransmitter production, researchers have suggested that deficiencies may play a role in developing ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD may have lower levels of specific vitamins, like vitamin D, and minerals, like iron.
Top Nutrients for ADHD Pediatric Patients
Several micronutrients have been identified as potentially important for children with ADHD.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in regulating neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit signals in the brain) and forming new connections between nerve cells. Magnesium has a calming effect on the brain, which can help improve focus and attention. Low levels of magnesium have been foundin some children with ADHD.
The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for magnesium are:
*Adequate Intake (AI): Intake at this level is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy; established when evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA.
Iron
Iron is essential for crucial body processes like:
Forming the fatty substance (myelin sheath) around nerve fibers
Neurotransmitter production
Iron deficiency has been linked to ADHD in children. Ferritin (a protein that stores iron) levels are almost 50% lower in children with ADHD than in controls.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in brain health and development. It is involved in regulating neurotransmitters and is implicated in affecting learning, memory, emotion, and mood. There is an association between zinc deficiency and ADHD in children.
Vitamin D is essential for proper brain function and development. A study of ninety children demonstrated that those with ADHD had markedly lower vitamin D levels than those without ADHD. Supplementation with vitamin D showed many improvements in ADHD symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in brain health and development.
Children with ADHD have lower levels of omega-3 fats, and a systematic review and meta-analysis found that supplementation with omega-3s improved clinical and cognitive outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Several blood tests are available that use a small amount of blood from a finger prick, allowing easier testing for children who may have difficulty with a standard blood draw.
Nutrient tests that use a finger prick method are:
It is important to note that even if a child does have a deficiency, it does not necessarily mean that supplementing with that nutrient will improve their symptoms. Also, excessive supplementation can lead to adverse health effects, so it's best to partner with your healthcare provider to ensure you're supplementing appropriately and safely.
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Summary
There is evidence to suggest that micronutrient deficiencies are associated with pediatric ADHD. For example, low levels of iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids have been found in some children with ADHD. It is also important to consider other factors that may be contributing to ADHD symptoms, such as lack of physical activity, poor sleep, and underlying health conditions. Micronutrient testing is an objective way to evaluate a child's nutrient status and work with a healthcare professional to devise an individualized plan to address any deficiencies safely. Always consult a healthcare professional or functional nutritionist before changing a child's diet or supplement regimen.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the most common childhood neurodevelopmental condition, affects millions of US children. The number of children diagnosed with ADHD increases with age - teens are over six times as likely as younger children to be diagnosed. Boys are twice as likely as girls to have the condition.
The cause of ADHD in children is presumed to be multifactorial, with genetics, environment, and lifestyle playing roles. Scientists are researching the dietary habits of children with ADHD and are finding that nutrition and nutrient deficiencies may contribute.
ADHD presents challenges for the child and the parent. This article will help you learn more about ADHD, nutrition, and micronutrient testing in children so you can feel empowered to work with your healthcare provider to explore individualized nutrition strategies that may help manage ADHD symptoms.
[signup]
What is ADHD?
The most common neurodevelopmental condition in children is ADHD. The formal diagnostic criteria for ADHD are described in the DSM-5, but common behaviors are:
Impulsivity: children may have difficulty waiting their turn, may interrupt, or blurt out answers to questions that have not been fully asked
Inattention: children may have difficulty with listening skills, may lose items, may be forgetful, or have a reduced attention span
Overactivity: children may squirm, fidget, or be restless, may have difficulty staying seated, may be very talkative and unable to play quietly
What is The Role of Micronutrients and ADHD in Children
Scientists have demonstrated that a large proportion of children have various micronutrient deficiencies. Since micronutrients are essential to proper brain development and neurotransmitter production, researchers have suggested that deficiencies may play a role in developing ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD may have lower levels of specific vitamins, like vitamin D, and minerals, like iron.
Top Nutrients for ADHD Pediatric Patients
Several micronutrients have been identified as potentially important for children with ADHD.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in regulating neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit signals in the brain) and forming new connections between nerve cells. Magnesium has a calming effect on the brain, which may help support focus and attention. Low levels of magnesium have been foundin some children with ADHD.
The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for magnesium are:
*Adequate Intake (AI): Intake at this level is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy; established when evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA.
Iron
Iron is essential for crucial body processes like:
Forming the fatty substance (myelin sheath) around nerve fibers
Neurotransmitter production
Iron deficiency has been linked to ADHD in children. Ferritin (a protein that stores iron) levels are almost 50% lower in children with ADHD than in controls.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in brain health and development. It is involved in regulating neurotransmitters and is implicated in affecting learning, memory, emotion, and mood. There is an association between zinc deficiency and ADHD in children.
Vitamin D is essential for proper brain function and development. A study of ninety children demonstrated that those with ADHD had markedly lower vitamin D levels than those without ADHD. Supplementation with vitamin D showed many improvements in ADHD symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in brain health and development.
Children with ADHD have lower levels of omega-3 fats, and a systematic review and meta-analysis found that supplementation with omega-3s improved clinical and cognitive outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Several blood tests are available that use a small amount of blood from a finger prick, allowing easier testing for children who may have difficulty with a standard blood draw.
Nutrient tests that use a finger prick method are:
It is important to note that even if a child does have a deficiency, it does not necessarily mean that supplementing with that nutrient will improve their symptoms. Also, excessive supplementation can lead to adverse health effects, so it's best to partner with your healthcare provider to ensure you're supplementing appropriately and safely.
[signup]
Summary
There is evidence to suggest that micronutrient deficiencies are associated with pediatric ADHD. For example, low levels of iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids have been found in some children with ADHD. It is also important to consider other factors that may be contributing to ADHD symptoms, such as lack of physical activity, poor sleep, and underlying health conditions. Micronutrient testing is an objective way to evaluate a child's nutrient status and work with a healthcare professional to devise an individualized plan to address any deficiencies safely. Always consult a healthcare professional or functional nutritionist before changing a child's diet or supplement regimen.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
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Lab Tests in This Article
Vitamin D by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)
Serum
The Vitamin D Test quantitates 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolites. The metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the major circulating form of Vitamin D in the body and the best indicator of a patient’s true vitamin status. This is the serum version of the test. It is also available as a blood spot test.
Omega-3 Index Complete by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)
Blood Spot
This test measures the Omega-3 Index, the Trans Fat Index, the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio, and the AA/EPA ratio. Many studies have shown that people with higher (vs. lower) omega-3 index levels are at a decreased risk for disease.
C-Reactive Protein, Inflammation (CRP) by Access Med Labs
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring C-reactive protein (CRP). It is used to test for inflammation, infections, and neoplastic diseases.
Magnesium by Access Med Labs
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring magnesium in serum. It is used to help diagnose and monitor conditions related to magnesium deficiency or excess.
Sedimentation Rate (ESR) by Access Med Labs
Whole Blood
This is a single-marker test measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This test can be used as a monitor for inflammatory disease severity.
Zinc RBC by Access Med Labs
Red Blood Cells
This is a single-marker test measuring zinc in red blood cells. It can be used to determine zinc deficiency or excess.
Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)
Serum
This test reports total iron, total iron-binding capacity, and % saturation of iron in mcg/dL. It can detect both low and excessive iron. Low iron can lead to anemia, while excess iron can affect virtually every aspect of health.
Ferritin by Access Med Labs
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring ferritin. This test is used to monitor iron metabolism, microcytic anemia, and iron storage diseases.
CBC w/ Diff by Access Med Labs
Whole Blood
The complete blood count (CBC) provides a general hematologic assessment. It serves as a screening test for numerous disease states including anemia, inflammatory processes, and leukemia. This test includes the white blood cell differential.
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