How Effective Are Supplements And Vitamins For ADHD Management?

Symptom management can be essential for those living with ADHD to maintain their quality of life and emotional well-being. While vitamins for ADHD may be helpful, they aren’t likely to have the same effectiveness as therapy and medication. However, it could still be worthwhile for those experiencing ADHD to explore the use of vitamins, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, magnesium, and ginkgo biloba, to supplement proven treatment modalities. It can be vital to consult your doctor before starting any new vitamins or supplements. Another non-pharmacological approach to treating ADHD may be therapy, which can be completed online or in person.

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The popularity of alternative treatment options for ADHD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the estimated lifetime prevalence of ADHD in U.S. adults aged 18 to 44 was 8.1%. With such a significant portion of the population coping with ADHD, it can be understandable that many individuals want to find ways to alleviate symptoms. 

What is the difference between vitamins and supplements?

While the primary treatments used by mental health professionals typically involve therapeutic and pharmacological approaches, some may choose to look for complementary and alternative options. One such option may be the use of certain supplements and vitamins, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, vitamin D, and ginkgo biloba. To understand whether vitamins can help those living with ADHD manage their symptoms, it may be beneficial to begin by clarifying the difference between vitamins and supplements.

The use of vitamins and other supplements for ADHD

While the terms “vitamin” and “supplement” are often used interchangeably—and, for the purposes of this article, are paired together to describe dietary supplements—the two words do have distinct definitions. 

Technically, vitamins can be defined as organic substances that the body needs to function properly. These substances typically fall into one of two categories: fat-soluble, such as vitamins D, A, E, and K, and water-soluble, such as vitamins C, B6, and B12. The difference between these two categories may be how they interact with the human body. 

Fat-soluble vitamins usually accumulate in the body by dissolving in fat, while water-soluble vitamins generally cannot be stored as they dissolve in water, with unused vitamins largely being lost through the urine. Because the body can’t create most of these vitamins on its own, individuals normally must acquire them through diet or the use of supplements.

Supplements tend to be a broader category that can include vitamins, as well as amino acids, botanicals, minerals, and enzymes. Supplements can be consumed in many forms, such as beverages, gummies, tablets, capsules, and powders. In some cases, a supplement can contain a single vitamin or another substance, while others could have multiple, such as multivitamins or herb blends. It can be important to talk to your primary care physician before taking a new vitamin or supplement, as some supplements may negatively impact individuals with certain conditions or those taking specific medications. 

Can supplements treat ADHD symptoms? 

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “vitamins are not FDA-approved to treat or prevent disease.” While ADHD is typically classified as a mental health disorder and not a disease, it may be reasonable to assume that the FDA intends for all conditions to be included under this umbrella. 

Furthermore, the FDA warns that products promising to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure disease are generally subject to regulation as drugs and that any supplement claiming to do so may be committing health fraud. The FDA also notes that, while it may regulate dietary supplements, it generally does not review them before they enter the marketplace. In general, companies can manufacture and sell these supplements without notifying the FDA, and while the FDA may work after the fact to bring these products into adherence with health and safety rules, some may be unsafe. 

Efficacy of supplements and vitamins for ADHD

However, research indicates that some vitamins and supplements could be beneficial for those experiencing ADHD. One meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled ADHD-related trials found that certain supplements, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, had demonstrated evidence of efficacy. 

The analysis goes on to say that many widely utilized natural supplements in the United States have demonstrated minimal evidence of efficacy and possible side effects. In addition, researchers claimed that, although there was only a modest evidence base for complementary and alternative treatments, supplements were still commonly used for children with ADHD. 

Which vitamins and supplements may help manage ADHD symptoms?

While the evidence to support the use of vitamins and supplements may not be as strong as the evidence for therapy and medication, some research claims that they may have certain benefits for ADHD. However, it can be important to note that the overconsumption of supplements can be dangerous, and vitamins generally aren’t a replacement for traditional treatments. As such, it can be essential to contact a doctor before taking any supplement or vitamin. 

Vitamins and supplements that may help with ADHD symptoms can include the following:

Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids

The ADHD supplements that may be most supported by research are those containing omega fatty acids. According to one systematic review, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids usually had numerous benefits for participants, such as improvements in impulsivity, hyperactivity, attention, word reading, visual learning, and working/short-term memory. Omega-3s specifically may help by stopping the degeneration of neural membranes, potentially increasing the production of serotonin and boosting the number of synapses between neurons. 

Iron

Taking an iron supplement can help individuals avoid a condition that could negatively impact ADHD symptoms: iron deficiency. Research suggests that iron deficiency can contribute to a variety of challenges, such as struggles with motor function, selective attention, and spatial memory. In addition, low iron may cause disruptions in the synthesis of dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter that those living with ADHD may struggle to produce. 

Magnesium and vitamin D

As a nutrient, magnesium can have several beneficial effects on the body, including ensuring healthy muscles and bones, regulating blood sugar levels, and helping to maintain proper nerve function. Vitamin D, meanwhile, can help regulate mood and ensure normal immune system function. 

For those with ADHD, research suggests that magnesium and vitamin D may alleviate a variety of symptoms. One study found that vitamin D and magnesium supplementation could address conduct and social challenges in children. In addition, this study cited research that magnesium (when paired with standard treatment) may improve inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and opposition in children living with ADHD. 

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a component of an herbal medicine that may help with numerous conditions, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and depression. Research indicates that ginkgo biloba and other ginkgo preparations may affect the behavioral and cognitive aspects of ADHD. These effects tend to vary and may include increased calmness, improved frustration tolerance, decreased irritability, and enhanced willful cognition and discriminant attention. 

Vitamins can complement traditional ADHD treatment modalities

Working with a therapist can help individuals living with ADHD in multiple ways, such as the following:

• Learning how to recognize ADHD symptoms and how they can impact various aspects of one’s life
• Finding ways to identify what triggers these symptoms, including specific places, people, or situations
• Discovering techniques to address organizational, attention, and impulse-related challenges
• Discussing other struggles in life that may or may not be related to ADHD, including challenges at work or school, romantic partnerships, or family relationships

Therapy for adults and children with ADHD

However, in-person therapy may not be right for everyone. For some, busy schedules may make it difficult to find the time to commute to a therapist's office. Others may not have enough mental health providers in their community; even if they do manage to get an appointment, these individuals may have to wait a significant amount of time before their introductory session. Some may also prefer to access therapy through other formats, such as calling, texting, or video chat. 

Addressing ADHD symptoms in online therapy

In the cases described above, it may be helpful to explore other options, such as online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp. Online therapy platforms typically feature large databases of thousands of licensed mental health professionals, so it can be easier to find a therapist specializing in ADHD. The convenience of attending therapy from home or another preferred location can also be beneficial.

Learn to manage ADHD symptoms with online therapy

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Effectiveness of online therapy for adults and children with ADHD

Online therapy can be an effective alternative to in-person therapy. According to one meta-analysis and systematic review involving six randomized controlled trials and 261 ADHD patients, online therapy typically improved attention deficit and social function in adults and children with ADHD compared to a control group.