Essential Fatty Acids

Some symptoms of ADHD are similar to essential fatty acid deficiency. Patients with lower omega-3 fatty acid plasma levels, have more significant behavioural and learning problems, temper tantrums, health and sleeping disturbance. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve learning, concentration and behaviour. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) supplementation reduces ADHD related symptoms as DHA is involved in dopamine and serotonin metabolism.

Omega-3 fatty acids make up 40% dry volume of the brain. Deficiencies cause abnormal structure of brain cells. Cells can misfire, causing dysfunction. Information processing is impaired, leading to attention deficits, behavioural problems, learning difficulties, mood disorders, sleep problems, dyslexia and autism spectrum disorders. Jacques Duff. Neurological Health Symposium 20/11/04. Studies low in omega-3 have shown that in the first generation there is a higher incidence of ADHD, and in the second generation there is a higher incidence of Parkinson’s type of symptoms.

Many studies have demonstrated a definite link between essential fatty acids and neurodevelopment, and significantly lower concentrations of plasma and RBC omega-3 and omega-6 metabolite levels in ADHD children. Children with lower omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are reported to display more maladaptive behaviours, hyperactivity, temper tantrums, learning, health and sleep difficulties than those with higher concentrations of omega-3.

There is a hypothesis that ADHD children have a deficiency of EFAs either because they cannot metabolise linoleic acid normally, or because they cannot absorb EFAs from the gut, or because their requirements are higher than normal. Children with ADHD have been reported to have impaired DHA and arachidonic acid synthesis from vegetable precursors found in the typical diet; the enzymatic conversion can also be blocked by trans fatty acids found in margarine, vegetable oils and many processed foods. Other indicators that there is a higher requirement of EFAs:

•    Most foods that cause symptoms are weak inhibitors of the conversion of EFAs to prostaglandins

•    Males have a higher EFA requirement than females, hence are more commonly affected

•    Excessive thirst (polydypsia) without increased urination (polyuria), a cardinal sign of EFA deficiency and has a higher incidence in ADHD. An English ADHD support group reported that children with hyperactivity were significantly more thirsty than children who were not hyperactive. 

•    Many have eczema, allergies and asthma, which may be alleviated by EFAs.

•    Many are zinc deficient which is required for conversion of EFAs

•    Some are badly affected by wheat and milk which give rise to exorphins in the gut which can block the conversion of EFAs to prostaglandin E₁

•    Low dietary intake of EFAs

•    It is suggested that DHA deficiency induces deficiency of plasmalogens (nerve -membrane components that contain DHA) that may be responsible for abnormal signal transmission associated with learning disabilities and cognitive deficits.  Such deficits can be partly corrected with DHA supplementation. DHA is involved in dopamine and serotonin metabolism.

Dopamine producing nerve endings are composed of approximately 80% DHA. DHA deficiency results in increased permeability of the blood brain barrier in animal studies, and is critical to the brains defense against neurotoxic xenobiotics. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve eye function. The omega-3:6 ratio influences various aspects of serotonin and catecholamine mediated neurotransmission and prostaglandin formation; processes essential for the maintenance of normal brain function and easily corrected with dietary modification. 

Amino Acids

ADHD patients have significantly lower levels of phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine and isoleucine, suggesting a problem in amino acid transport or absorption, or both. Supplementation with phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine may improve brain function.

Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamin B6

Supplementation with vitamin B6 can be effective if serotonin levels are low. B6 increases serotonin levels. It is an essential co-factor for amino acid pathways, including the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and serotonin. Studies show that pyridoxine can help reduce hyperactivity and return serotonin levels to normal.  

Recommended: Activated B6 or Nutri 21

  Vitamin C

As ADHD patients often exhibit low dopamine levels, vitamin C helps ensure balanced levels of dopamine, and is a cofactor in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine.  

Recommended: Vitamin C powder

Iron

Iron deficiency is associated with disruption of the dopamine neurotransmitter system and more extensive neurodevelopmental problems. The authors of one study concluded, that ensuring adequate iron levels in children can improve dopamine activity and decrease the need for psychostimulants. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2004;158:1113-1115