Vitamin B for ADHD: Deficiencies in B vitamins — particularly B6 — can cause irritability and fatigue in children and adults with ADHD. Adequate B6 levels can increase alertness and decrease anxiety-like symptoms. Foods high in B6 include wild-caught tuna, bananas, spinach, and salmon.
Other studies have suggested that taking certain B vitamins, such as B-6, may be beneficial for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. One study found that taking a combination of magnesium and vitamin B-6 for two months significantly improved hyperactivity, aggression, and inattention.
Vitamin B12 level was negatively correlated with learning problems and psychosomatic subscales of CTRS in the combined subtype of ADHD. CONCLUSION: Vitamin B12 and iron support may be useful in treatment of childhood ADHD, especially for learning problems, besides medication.
Although there is limited evidence to support treating ADHD with mineral/vitamin supplements, research does exist showing that patients with ADHD may have reduced levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium.
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulant therapy. These drugs can improve your focus and attention span and help control impulsive behavior. The most widely used stimulant, and the most popular drug in the world, is caffeine. It's in coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, and other foods.
As you know, one trademark of ADHD is low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine — a chemical released by nerve cells into the brain. Due to this lack of dopamine, people with ADHD are "chemically wired" to seek more, says John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Vitamin B6 is critical to the production and proper use of essential brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine and can be one of the most effective ways to improve behavior in children with ADHD.
Brain Function
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.
Vitamin D3 and B vitamins. D3 helps to boost your concentration levels. It's key for healthy nerve function and overall functioning of your body and maintenance. B vitamins, in general, are well known for improving energy, focus, and alertness.
Some studies suggest that certain nutritional supplements, such as zinc, magnesium, iron, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help manage ADHD symptoms. However, before trying a new supplement or other alternative treatment for ADHD, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.
In the present study, supplementation with Vitamin D and magnesium in children with ADHD decreased conduct problems, social problems, and anxiety/shy scores compared with placebo intake, however, did not affect psychosomatic problems scores, significantly.
We recommend supplementing with magnesium and vitamin B6 for several conditions due to the calming, muscle relaxing effects we covered – it's very useful for things like muscle cramping (think menstrual cramps too), insomnia, anxiety, specific heart palpitations (PVCs) and even muscle recovery.
Vitamin B6 is a key player in the synthesis of many neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin, and histamine. B6 thus helps increase brain serotonin and dopamine levels, decreasing symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain.
Vitamin B2 and vitamin B7 help the nervous system, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 are required to support neurotransmitters and cellular communication, and vitamin B9 eases mental fatigue. Taking a regular B complex supplement that includes all the necessary B vitamins can help to reduce symptoms of brain fog.
and Warnings
In some people, vitamin B6 might cause nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, and other side effects. Vitamin B6 is possibly unsafe when taken in doses of 500 mg or more daily. High doses of vitamin B6, especially 1000 mg or more daily, might cause brain and nerve problems.
A well-balanced diet, exercise, and meditation are all good options for individuals looking to reduce their ADHD symptoms. However, while these natural ADHD remedies may reduce the severity of certain ADHD symptoms, they do not address the individual's underlying brain dysregulation.
Getting enough sleep, exercising, listening to music, meditating, and spending time in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body's natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.
A 2017 study supported these general findings. Researchers have not conclusively shown why ADHD causes fatigue in some people, but one possible explanation is the condition's effects on dopamine. ADHD can affect dopamine levels, making it more difficult for the body to respond to this important neurotransmitter.
ADHD burnout is a feeling of exhaustion largely brought on by stress, made more complicated by ADHD symptoms. People with ADHD are more likely to experience burnout. Common signs of ADHD burnout include: irritability.