Finally, supplementing vitamins B and C can also help alleviate ADD and ADHD symptoms. Vitamin C, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, is used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine. Additionally, vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.
Research suggests that Omega-3 fish oil can improve children's cognitive performance and is especially effective in boosting attention and memory. A 2021 study published in Nutrients found that Omega-3 had positive effects on working memory, executive function, and academic performance in school-aged children.
B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and D, may help support concentration and focus. No supplement or vitamin nootropic cocktail or regime has been shown to reverse cognitive impairment or fix medical diagnoses, such as ADHD or other issues with focus and executive functioning.
Many American children have abnormally low levels of vitamin D. Newer research shows that children with ADHD have lower vitamin D levels than children without the condition. One study showed that expectant mothers with low vitamin D levels had a higher likelihood of their children having ADHD.
Regardless of whether your child's treatment includes medication, maximizing exercise, sleep, and nutrition can effectively transform them into natural remedies for ADHD, and arguably establish the foundation upon which to build other interventions.
Vitamin B9 is essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which helps control impulsive behavior and improve mental focus. A lack of vitamins B12 and B6 can lead to hyperactivity. Supplementing with B vitamins helps improve ADHD symptoms in children who are deficient.
Vitamin D and magnesium supplementation in children with ADHD was effective on conduct problems, social problems, and anxiety/shy scores compared with placebo intake but did not affect psychosomatic problems scores, significantly.
ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine. Dopamine is the thing that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure center.
Vitamin B6
B6 is one of the most critical vitamins1 for fighting symptoms of ADHD. It may help increase focus and alertness and reduce fatigue, which also helps with brain fog and other issues that patients suffer from.
B Vitamins
“The vitamin B complex is crucial for supporting healthy brain function and may protect against memory loss, cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases,” says De Angelis.
For people with ADHD, the advice to “just focus” is maddening; it simply can't be done. You can't force focus, but you can create an ideal environment — both physical and mental — for it to thrive. The key is working with (not against) your ADHD brain, and combining the specific factors that help your focus flourish.
B12 is a key nutrient for nervous system health. It is important for producing serotonin and dopamine, which are mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. As a result, vitamin B12 can help to prevent and treat depression and anxiety. It can improve focus and memory as well.
Ginkgo Biloba
Also called the maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba has been found to increase blood flow to the brain. This, in turn, improves cognitive abilities such as focus and memory. Studies have found taking ginkgo supplements can improve age-related cognitive decline.