Riordan Clinic Research Institute: ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately two million American children, and this condition has grown to become the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. The cause of ADHD is generally acknowledged to be multifactorial, involving both biological and environmental influence.

Nutritional deficiencies, including deficiencies in fatty acids (EPA, DHA), the amino acid methionine, and the trace minerals zinc and selenium, have been shown to influence neuronal function and produce defects in neuronal plasticity, as well as impact behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These nutritional disturbances or variations from reference values have been associated with behavior typical of ADHD.

Earlier this year, the Riordan Clinic Research Institute published a study that shows that a combination of these key nutrients (mentioned above) plus probiotics reduced stress and emotional problems in those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The article, entitled “Metabolic correction for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A biochemical-physiological therapeutic approach,” can be viewed in its entirety on the Riordan Clinic website at www.riordanclinic.org.