Can Kids Safely Take Supplements For ADHD Symptoms?

ADHD is a neurological condition and neurodivergence that can manifest with symptoms like difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, sleep disturbances, and excess energy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research shows that 9% of American children and adolescents ages 13 to 18 have ADHD.

Most children with hyperactivity and impulsive ADHD (ADHD-HI) struggle to sit still. They may also experience more hyperactivity than those with the inattentive type of ADHD (ADHD-PI). Attention disorders typically begin to show around age seven and can affect well-being into adulthood.

A 2017 study indicates that sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disturbances, and sleep-disordered breathing may contribute to ADHD symptoms. In some cases where these symptoms and others are present, parents of children with ADHD may consider alternative treatments like natural remedies or supplements for symptom relief and management.

Treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children may require a talk with your child’s primary doctor as well as an evaluation with a psychiatrist to find the best treatment options. Most effective methods for ADHD treatment involve therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy with a mental health professional or medications that can improve symptoms and cognitive function, or a combination of both.

Dr. Axe and ADHD supplements 

Dr. Josh Axe is a licensed chiropractor, certified doctor of natural medicine, and clinical nutritionist. He turned his passion for healthy eating and lifestyle into his career when he opened a functional medicine center in Nashville, TN. With over 17 million monthly visitors, his website is considered a leader in holistic mental health, overseen by a medical review board looking for medical accuracy. 

Potential side effects of ADHD medications

In his work, Dr. Axe has pointed to some international studies that show a genetic link to ADHD. Although his opinion may differ from that of other doctors and individuals, Dr. Axe is concerned with potential side effects from common medications for children with ADHD. Though medication can benefit children as a treatment option to manage ADHD symptoms, it can also lead to uncomfortable side effects.

Side effects of stimulants and ADHD medications for some adults and children with ADHD may include: 

• Suicidal thoughts* 

• Personality changes

• Nervousness

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Insomnia or other sleep problems

• Vomiting

• Increased heart rate

• Increased blood pressure

• Psychosis

• Dependency** 

• Tremors

• Hallucinations

• Muscle twitches

• Extreme mood swings

Using natural substances to address ADHD symptoms

In keeping with his philosophy of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Axe believes that parents can help their children improve ADHD symptoms by eliminating certain foods, adding other foods, and giving children natural supplements. Dr. Axe notes five essential supplements for helping children manage their symptoms, including: 

• Fish oil supplements

• Vitamin B-complex 

• A multi-mineral supplement

• Probiotics 

• GABA

Dr. Axe recommends children take fish oil daily, noting that the EPA and DHA in fish oil are critical for brain function and act as an anti-inflammatory. Fish oil may improve ADHD symptoms and improve learning. Children with ADHD might also benefit from taking B-complex vitamins to help the brain release serotonin. Dr. Axe also recommends taking a multi-mineral supplement twice daily, including zinc, magnesium, and calcium, to control the nervous system. A natural supplement such as a multivitamin can also help avoid an iron deficiency.

ADHD can impact the digestive system, so Dr. Axe recommends a quality probiotic daily to help with food sensitivities. Finally, he recommends taking GABA twice daily; GABA is a calming amino acid. However, he suggests reviewing adding GABA with your child’s doctor because it may interact with other medications.

Research on using natural supplements to treat ADHD

Studies have been conducted over the years on the effects of certain foods and diets on ADHD and its correlated behaviors. Although more research is needed to suggest that a specific diet will alleviate symptoms of ADHD, studies suggest that certain foods and drinks like caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol have distinguishable effects on those with ADHD.

On the other hand, researchers believe some children's behavior and thinking may be affected by food additives, artificial colorings, Omega-3 fatty acids, or deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Researchers believe that foods influence some children's behavior and could mirror ADHD symptoms. Still, they haven't been able to segregate the differences in children to understand why some kids are affected when others aren't. 

The Feingold diet claims that processed foods and certain fruits and vegetables are to blame for ADHD symptoms in children and that this diet works well to complement other types of treatment and support. Research has concluded that the Feingold diet may be ineffective and potentially harmful due to severe restrictions. Though ADHD symptoms may be reduced, the Feingold diet could do more harm and lead to vitamin deficiencies in a growing child. 

In past decades, studies have been done on the effect of food colorings, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and other additives to aid in food preservation, but the results have varied greatly on a case-to-case basis. A six-week study involving 153 preschool-aged children and 144 students in grade school studied the effects of sodium benzoate and artificial food colorings. They gave half the students a placebo at three points during the study. Some in the study demonstrated a higher level of hyperactivity irrespective of their hyperactivity before the study.

The connection between Omega-3 fatty acids and ADHD

In 2017, The National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) conducted a study to test the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on ADHD and found positive and promising conclusions. Although more studies may be valuable in evaluating the connection between ADHD and Omega-3 fatty acids, experiments have shown that Omega-3 acids are promising in their capabilities to ease symptoms of ADHD.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating two servings per week of fish. AHA advises choosing varieties of fish with high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna.

Studies of diet changes in children

Researchers have not found evidence that adding vitamin or mineral supplements to a diet reduces ADHD symptoms. Harvard researchers warn parents that large doses of vitamins or minerals, such as too much iron or heightened zinc levels, can be toxic for children.

Considering their findings, Harvard researchers support parents providing their children with a balanced diet, healthy proteins, and limited saturated fats for optimal health benefits. In addition, researchers encourage parents to limit fast foods and encourage their children to exercise regularly.

Natural supplements for ADHD and depression

Dr. Sanford Newmark is the medical director at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. He also serves as head of the center's Pediatric Integrative Neurodevelopmental Program. Dr. Newmark specializes in supporting autistic children, those with ADHD, and other developmental differences.  

Dr. Newmark takes a behavioral and natural approach to treating ADHD by combining a prescribed diet, behavior management strategies, and other alternative treatment options before prescribing medication for ADHD. In making recommendations for children with ADHD, Dr. Newmark considers that children with the condition may be low in iron, zinc, and magnesium. He concurs with Dr. Axe that iron, zinc, and magnesium supplements or a multivitamin containing these three minerals, could improve a child’s behavior and associated ADHD symptoms. 

Dr. Newmark agrees with Dr. Axe and Harvard researchers about the benefits of incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil into the diets of children with ADHD. He also believes that fish oil benefits everyone's general health, especially for those with ADHD and depression at any age. When asked about substituting cod liver oil for fish oil, Dr. Newmark affirmed that it might be beneficial to use cod liver oil. However, children don't need all the preformed vitamin A that cod liver oil contains.

Alternative recommendations from Dr. Newmark 

Beyond looking at vitamins and minerals, Dr. Newmark sometimes recommends one of two herbal remedies for ADHD. He believes that Pycnogenol (from the bark of a European pine tree) can be helpful for some children. He also likes an herb called valerian, which, combined with lemon balm, may offer symptom relief for some children. The doctor notes that these herbs can be difficult to find. While both herbs have a calming effect on children, the herbs won't necessarily increase their ability to concentrate or improve academic performance.

When asked how parents can approach treatments for ADHD, Dr. Newmark recommends seeking a pediatrician or family doctor with professional experience in treating ADHD or with a background in child and adolescent psychopharmacology. He also recommends that schools provide an evaluation for learning disabilities. Testing results may lead parents to valuable nutritional, behavioral, and school interventions to help their child succeed at home, in school, and adult life. 

Overall, Dr. Newmark likes to remind parents that the goal in life is not to sit still, and for parents and teachers to hold that expectation may inhibit children's creative and talented capabilities.

Counseling options for parents and caregivers

If you're confused about managing your child's ADHD symptoms, you might also benefit from contacting an expert. Although many parents are busy and may not have the time to explore counseling in their area, alternative methods, like online therapy, could be a solution. With an online therapist through a platform like BetterHelp, you can discuss ADHD symptoms and management with a professional therapist. 

Online therapy may be valuable in treating various symptoms, including family stress and disagreement. An online therapist can also support neurodivergent adults with ADHD or other developmental concerns. When you sign up for a platform, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions according to your preference. You can also specify your goals so your therapist is better able to support you in achieving those therapeutic goals. 

If you're still unsure about online therapy, you can review studies examining the effectiveness of these methods. One study found that internet-based therapy could be highly effective for adults living with ADHD. Another study found that a significant percentage of parents found online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for receiving advice and mental health support related to family challenges.