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ADHD and nutritional supplements

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Current Attention Disorders Reports

Abstract

Many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) use nutritional therapies (supplements and elimination diets) as a treatment strategy. This article reviews the use of supplements in ADHD. Several nutrients have known roles in the support of brain function. Nutrient sufficiency during brain development is critical. Because 1) data indicate that many American schoolchildren do not meet nutritional recommendations, 2) the prefrontal cortex continues to develop into young adulthood, and 3) ADHD symptoms are thought to arise from inefficient functioning of the prefrontal cortex and its connections, the role of nutritional supplements in childhood ADHD is important to consider.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Management of ADHD and Division of Child Development, Rehabilitation, and Metabolism, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Marianne M. Glanzman

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  1. Marianne M. Glanzman
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Correspondence to Marianne M. Glanzman.

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Glanzman, M.M. ADHD and nutritional supplements. Curr Atten Disord Rep 1, 75–81 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12618-009-0011-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12618-009-0011-6

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