ADD/ADHD and Nutritional Facts

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ADD/ADHD and Nutritional Facts ADD/ADHD and Nutritional Facts JoAnn Guest Feb 25, 2004 14:44 PST http://www.blockcenter.com/pages/pages_news.asp#6 Vitamin A (Beta Carotene): Aids Memory, Learning. A study in mice suggests that vitamin A plays an important role in learning and memory, a finding that researchers say underscores concerns about vitamin A deficiency in some 190 million children throughout the world. December issue of the Journal Neuron as quoted in Jan 08 (Reuters Health.) Thiamine: When patients with evidence of thiamine deficiency were supplemented, their behavior improved. Lonsdale D, Shamberger R, Am J Chin Nutr 33(2):205-1 1, 1980. Niacin (vitamin B3): Supplementation may be helpful for the symptoms of hyperactivity, deteriorating school performance, perceptual

changes and inability to acquire or maintain social relationships. Hoffer, A, Vitamin B3 Dependent Child, Schizophrenia, 3:107-113, 1971. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): Was found to be more effective than methylphenidate (Ritalin) in treating a group of hyperactive children in a double-blind, crossover study. A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Pyridoxine Administration to a Subgroup of Hyperkinetic children: A Double- blind, crossover Comparison with Methylphenidate, Coleman, et al, Bid. Psychiatry, Vol. 14, No. 5, 1979, pp. 741-751. When B6 Pyridoxine was given to hyperactive children with low blood serotonin levels, their hyperactivity disappeared and serotonin levels returned to normal. The effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride on blood serotonin and pyridoxal phosphate contents in hyperactive children, Pediatrics, 55:437-41, 1975. Magnesium: Deficiency in children is characterized by

excessive fidgeting, anxious, restlessness, psychomotor instability and learning difficulties in presence of normal IQ. Clinical Aspects of Chronic Magnesium Deficiency, Seelig, Mildred, Magnesium in Health and Disease, Spectrum Publishing, 1980. Calcium: Hyperactivity may be due to calcium deficiency and may improve on supplementation. Drugging the American Child, Walker S.J. Learn. Disabil, 8:354, 1975 Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Flax Oil): A greater number of behavior problems assessed by the Connorfs Rating Scale, temper tantrums and sleep problems were reported in boys age 6-12 with lower total omega- 3 fatty acid concentrations. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Boys with Behavior, Learning and Health Problems, Stevens, et al, Physiology and Behavior, 1996 DMAE: a neurotransmitter precursor, has been used to improve behaviors, mental concentration, puzzle solving ability and

organization(J.Pediatrics,1958). DHA: is an omega-3 Fatty Acid that is necessary for brain development and functioning. DHA may improve mood and memory and deficient levels correlate with behavioral problems in children. DHA is found in breast milk and is necessary for optimal development of the eyes and the brain. Zinc: Association suggested between zinc deficiency and ADHD. Serum zinc levels in ADHD group were significantly lower than controls, Zinc Deficiency in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Toren, et al, Biol. Psychiatry, 1996;40:1308-1310. Zinc deficiency may make children irritable, tearful, sullen and have gaze aversion, Moyna han, Zinc Deficiency and Disturbances of Mood and Visula Behavior, Lancet, 1:91, 1976. Sucrose: may cause a ten times increase in adrenaline levels in children resulting in difficulty concentrating, irritability and anxiety. Jones, Tim, Borg W. et al,

Journal of Pediatrics, Vol 1, 126 (2) Feb 1995, pp. 171 -177. Sucrose: may cause increase in inappropriate behavior and decrement in performance. Journal of Abnormal Child Psych. 1986 14(4):565-77. Sucrose: Overly aggressive behavior may be associated with elevated sugar intake. Schauss, A., Diet, Crime and Delinquency, Parker House, 1980. Important Facts About ADHD ¡ ADHD was voted into existence by the American Psychiatric Association. ¡ There is no objective test to identify ADHD. ¡ Experts from across the U.S. at a recent NIH conference failed to provide any scientific evidence to validate ADHD. ¡ It's a known fact that allergies affect the ability to think and learn. ¡ Schools, using Child Protective Services and the courts, are forcing parents to drug their children. ¡ Some students are not prepared for learning in a structured classroom

situation. ¡ Children can learn how to learn to succeed in school. ¡ Side-effects of drugs used for ADHD include cardiac arrhythmias and psychosis. ¡ According to a DEA Report: "Ritalin is structurally and pharmacologically similar to amphetamines and cocaine and has the same dependency profile. Ritalin produces amphetamine and cocaine-like reinforcing effects including increased rate of euphoria and drug liking. Treatment with Ritalin in childhood predisposes takers to cocaine's reinforcing effects." ¡ Basic physiology and research support the fact that sugar can have a negative affect on children's behavior, learning and attention. ¡ Nutritional deficiencies can cause attention and behavior symptoms. ¡ There are many health and learning problems that cause ADHD symptoms, many of which can be dealt with at home. http://www.blockcenter.com/pages/pages_news.asp#6 _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest