BACKGROUND
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is generally considered to be a developmental disorder, largely neurological in nature, affecting about 5% of the world's population. The disorder typically presents itself during childhood, and is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control or impulsivity, and distractibility.
According to Dr Hoffer's ABC of Natural Nutrition for Children, many learning and behavioural disorders including ADHD are a result of insufficient nutrition to the brain. Some other factors include toxic metal poisoning of soft tissues, an impaired ability to manage glucose, and food and environment allergies.
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
The orthomolecular approach offers a great deal for sufferers of ADHD. Orthomolecular treatment of ADHD, which may include taking a detailed food history and placing the client on an elimination diet, addresses the following areas:
Overconsumption of sugar and refined flour
Gestational and early childhood nutrition
Vitamin and mineral supplementation
Exposure to food additives
Food sensitivities and allergies
Toxic exposure (especially in cities with pollution)
Orthomolecular treatment of ADHD often includes the use of the following supplements:
Multi-vitamin tablet, not containing copper
Vitamin B3 (as niacinamide or inositol hexaniacinate)
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid)
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Zinc
Selenium
Calcium and Magnesium
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 8, 2007. Vitamin Supplements Help Protect Children from Heavy Metals, Reduce Behavioral Disorders. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v03n07.shtml
Saul AW. Taking the cure: The pioneering work of Ruth Flinn Harrell, champion of children. J Orthomolecular Med, 2004. Vol 19, No 1, p. 21-26. http://www.doctoryourself.com/downs.html
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Werbach, Melvyn. "Nutritional Influences on Aggressive Behaviour." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007
Hickey S and Saul AW. Vitamin C: The Real Story. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Healing Children's Attention & Behavior Disorders: Complementary Nutritional & Psychological Treatments. Toronto: CCNM Press Inc, 2004.
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Healing Children's Attention and Behavior Disorders: Toronto: CCNM Press Inc, 2005.
Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
Free access to full-text nutrition therapy papers from the Journal or Orthomolecular Medicine is available online at http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/index.shtml
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, February 29, 2008. JOURNAL OF ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE NOW ONLINE. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v04n03.shtml
FISH OIL TREATS ADHD BETTER THAN RITALIN
"(A) study by the University of Adelaide in Australia found (that) when 130 children between the ages of 7 and 12 with ADHD were given fish oil capsules daily, behavior dramatically improved within three months. . . When the researchers compared their results to studies of Ritalin and Concerta for ADHD, they found that fish oils were more effective." (The Daily Mail June 20, 2006; ABC News Online June 21, 2006)