According to a study published 2 weeks ago in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, researchers demonstrated that supplementation with a multivitamin and mineral formula can improve aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD.
This was the first randomized, placebo controlled trial of children with ADHD not on medication.
In this study 93 children ages 7 to 12 years of age were given either a multivitamin/mineral formula or placebo for 10 weeks. During this time researchers obtained data from their parents, teachers, and doctors. They measured ADHD symptoms, levels of aggression, mood, emotional regulation, general functional and impairment.
As a result, 47% of the children taking them multivitamin/mineral formula improved “much” or “very much”. This was in comparison to 28% in the placebo group. In addition, 32% of the children who received the supplement demonstrated improvements in attention, however, there were no changes in impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This study showed that a multivitamin/mineral formula can improve emotion, attention, and general functioning in children with ADHD. Twice as many children in this study had severe mood dysregulation and were randomized to the supplement group, which showed a clinically significant improvement compared to the placebo group.
Previous research has demonstrated specific nutrients and their positive impact on ADHD symptoms such, as essential fatty acids, carnitine, and phosphatidylserine. Optimal nutrition is important for brain health and this influences emotions and behavior which can impact ADHD symptoms. Gut dysfunction, food sensitivities, food dyes, processed foods, and low intake of fruits and vegetables can play a role.
The bottom line is we need optimize every child’s nutrient status based upon testing and support accordingly and we cannot forgot supporting these children with essential fatty acids. Addressing insufficiencies can optimize brain function as well as possibly prevent and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with ADHD without harmful side effects.
By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS
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