Zinc and ADHD

Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is primary childhood disorder characterized by lack of attention span, impulsiveness, difficulty maintaining attention, and mental focus. 

It is estimated that 3 to 6% of school-aged children in the United States are affected by attention disorder and it has recently been recognized that the symptoms can persist into adulthood. 

Stimulant medications are the most common treatment for ADHD, but there are many people who do not benefit from stimulants or experience intolerable side effects. 

Several studies and researches have found that children inflicted with ADHD are more likely to be zinc-deficient than other children. In this article, we will evaluate the link between zinc and ADHD. 

Studies and Researches: 

As per a study published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, taking zinc supplements can alleviate the symptoms of ADHD or attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder in children. 

Researchers from Iran executed a controlled clinical trial to evaluate the benefits of prescribing zinc supplements alongside the more conventional methylphenidate treatment. 

The study involved 44 children who were diagnosed as suffering from ADHD; and none of these patients had taken any medication before the trail. 

For the six weeks, half the children were given zinc sulphate (55mg/day) in addition to the conventional treatment; while the other half were given a placebo. A child psychiatrist examined the children's improvements. 

The researchers found that children taking supplementary zinc sulphate on a daily basis showed significant improvements than those taking a placebo. 

Benefits of Zinc: 

Taking zinc supplements can help combat ADHD symptoms and other disorders. Some of the benefits are as follows: 

It provides protection against the oxidative damage of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be used as potent treatment options for ADHD. Thus, taking zinc supplements alongside omega-3 treatment can help optimize the benefits and cut down the negative effects. 

You may consider using Listol that contains both zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. It is an effective natural supplement for alleviating ADHD symptoms in adults and children.

Zinc is required to convert the inactive form of the vitamin B6 to the active pyridoxal phosphate form. Thus, zinc supplement with vitamin B6 can help in effectively alleviating ADHD symptoms. 

Zinc promotes the production of melatonin, a hormone which is known to play a vital role in maintaining the important neuro-chemical signaling agent called dopamine. 

Studies have proved that zinc might be more effective in treating the hyperactive/impulsive behavior in ADHD children, than the inattentive aspect of the disorder. 

Zinc supplements are known to increase the effectiveness of methylphenidate (such as Ritalin), used for treating ADHD and related disorders. 

Natural Sources of Zinc: 

You may also consider giving zinc rich foods to your child to ensure that he stays healthy. Some good sources of zinc are oysters, beef, chicken, nuts, whole grains, seafood, and pork.