Adjunctive treatment of ADHD symptoms in children using natural supplements

There are many great ADHD medications today that treat and prevent symptoms of ADHD such as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. However, these medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall may cause some serious side effects in some children. More and more parents are turning to alternative options like herbal supplements, to use with the traditional medication regimen. A recent article in the Alternative Medicine Review talks about some promising results in ADHD therapy by using dietary and herbal supplementation. Although more studies need to be done to prove the effectiveness of some of these alternative supplements for ADHD, many of these recommendations promote better health by supporting the immune system. Changes in the diet, especially cutting out “junk food,” and adding food with low glycemic index carbohydrates, high protein, and essential fatty acids may help decrease ADHD symptoms.1

Recommendations:

• Essential Fatty Acids: several studies show a decrease in attention difficulties and behavioral problems in children with ADHD, who added EFA in their diet. Adding fish oil to your daily supplement, as well as in the diet is highly recommended to improve cognitive function in children. 2
• Vitamin B6 helps make the neurotransmitter serotonin that is known to be low in people with ADHD. Foods rich with Vitamin B6 include fish, chicken, fruits (other than citrus) and chickpeas.1
• Zinc, along with conventional ADHD medication, may improve hyperactivity and impulsivity in children. However, it is only recommended in children known to have low levels of zinc. Seafood, poultry, whole grains and breakfast cereals are some foods rich in zinc.
• A recent study shows L-Theanine supplementation may help with sleep quality in young boys ages 8-12. Long-term studies may be warranted to find out the exact role of this supplement in ADHD.

Bottom-line is a recommendation to add more foods rich in Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins and minerals can help keep your child healthy, as well as reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Greentree Pharmacy carries a product by OrthoMolecular Products called Adrene-Vive which is formulated to help respond to HPA axis loading, build stress resilience and maintain healthy HPA axis function. It combines three popular adaptogenic herbs (siberian ginseng, rhodiola and ashwagandha) and also includes an extract of Scutellaria baicalensis which has been shown to support the immune system during times of stress. During times of acute stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may become overstimulated and need help to maintain balance. Production of cortisol and other stress hormones is typical for individuals with HPA axis overload.   It also contains phosphatidylserine, known for its ability to modulate cortisol production during HPA axis loading and is a precursor to important neuron metabolites. L-Theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea, is able to act as a calming agent, reducing the perception of stress and supporting healthy cortisol levels to maintain healthy immune status.

Check with your pharmacist for more information on herbal and dietary supplements!

Best in Health,

Paul Hueseman, PharmD

Greentree Pharmacy

301 S. Kirkwood Rd.

Kirkwood, MO 63122

(314) 394-2404

www.greentree-rx.com

References:

(1.)  Pellow, J., et al. Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Children with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Alternative Medicine Review. Altern Med Rev 2011;16(4):323-337.

(2.)  Lyon, M., Kapoor, M., Juneja, L. The Effects of L-Theanine on Objective Sleep Quality in Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactvity Disorder (ADHD): a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial. Alternative Medicine Review. Altern Med Rev 2011;16(4):348-354.

(3.) ADHD. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. c1999-2013. Last updated: June 27,2013. Available from: O. J. Cloughly library portal.

(4.)  Zinc. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Zinc. Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health. Reviewed: June 5, 2013.