Researchers Discover Simple Vitamin Supplement May Benefit Many Children with ADHD

A recent study offers encouraging news for families of children diagnosed with ADHD. Researchers have identified that a straightforward supplement containing essential vitamins and minerals, akin to a standard multivitamin, positively affects a significant number of children experiencing various ADHD symptoms. This safe and largely side-effect-free option could support the approximately six million children in the United States living 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 assessing the impact of micronutrient supplementation on the behaviors of 135 children aged 6-12 diagnosed with ADHD. One group received a “broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation with 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 during the trial. The findings revealed that three times as many children in the micronutrient group reported improvements in their ADHD symptoms (54% compared to 18% for the placebo group), with over half showing significant behavioral enhancements, as reported by their parents. Notably, parents indicated considerable improvements in anxiety, aggression, irritability, emotional regulation, sleep, and anger.

“Supplementing with all known vitamins and essential minerals, within safe dosage limits, may enhance mood and concentration in children with ADHD and emotional dysregulation,” stated lead researcher Emily Carter, PhD, Assistant Professor at the National University of Natural Medicine. These results align with a previous study conducted in New Zealand, which is quite promising. “These findings may guide doctors and families looking for integrative treatments for their children with ADHD and related emotional issues,” Dr. Carter added.

Additionally, the study noted that children taking the supplements experienced greater height growth compared to those on placebo—after adjusting for initial height, those on the vitamin regimen grew an average of 6 mm taller. “This growth finding is particularly encouraging, as stunted growth is a concern associated with first-line ADHD medications,” Dr. Carter emphasized.

Given that approximately one-third of children do not respond to traditional first-line treatments, and others report adverse effects, discovering an alternative treatment option for ADHD could significantly benefit many children. “No treatment is universally effective for all children with ADHD,” remarked study co-author Mark Thompson, MD, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at Ohio State University. “About two-thirds respond to the first stimulant medication tried, which is an established primary treatment despite potential emotional, appetite, and growth-related side effects. Therefore, it is encouraging that a substantial number of children responded favorably to this relatively safe treatment.”

However, the authors stress the need for further research to explore why vitamins and minerals benefit children with ADHD and to identify specific behaviors they influence.

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In summary, a recent study shows that a simple vitamin and mineral supplement can significantly help children with ADHD, presenting a safe alternative for those who may not respond well to traditional medications.

Keyphrase: Vitamin Supplement for ADHD

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