Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Once or twice a month you will receive an email with a review of several new studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D. We will mention research updates on ADHD natural treatment.

WARNING: Usual doses of Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate) may cause sudden death in children and adolescents with pre-existing cardiac problems.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood and among the most prevalent chronic health conditions affecting school-aged children. The core symptoms of ADHD in a child include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with ADHD may experience significant functional problems. ADHD symptoms and signs include as school difficulties, academic underachievement, troublesome interpersonal relationships with family members and peers, and low self-esteem. Adult ADHD is also common. The cause of ADHD is not fully understood at this time. About one-third of ADHD cases among U.S. children may be linked with tobacco smoke before birth or to lead exposure afterward. Even levels of lead the government considers acceptable appeared to increase a child's risk of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Natural Remedy for ADHD - ADHD treatment with vitamins and supplements
I am not a pediatrician and I do not have any first hand experience treating ADHD in children, but based on my general knowledge of herbs and nutrients, and some preliminary studies, there are several natural supplements that are worthwhile for researchers to study. These include acetyl-l-carnitine supplement, carnitine supplement, (see the studies below), DMAE, and carnosine. Perhaps those with ADHD can try fish oil supplements for a few weeks to see if there is an improvement, particularly if the ADHD child's diet does not have enough fish. The dose of fish oils for ADHD can range from one to five capsules a day. An alternative to fish oils may be flaxseed oil.
   I will update this page as I come across more information about herbs or supplements helpful in the therapy of ADHD. If any parents have had success using natural therapies for ADHD, please email me (click on my name at the top of the page) and I will post your email.

L-acetylcarnitine and ADHD
L-acetylcarnitine may help with ADHD in children with the genetic disorder known as fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome results from an inherited genetic defect on the X chromosome. It is associated with  mental retardation and may also cause autism and ADHD, ADHD is common in young boys with fragile X syndrome. Dr. Giovanni Neri from Universita Cattolica in Rome studied boys between 6 and 13 years old for a period one year. Twenty four received l-acetylcarnitine and 27 received placebo. There was a more effective reduction of hyperactivity and improvement of social behavior in patients treated with l-acetylcarnitine. American Journal of Medical Genetics 2008.
   Comments: I have not seen any studies regarding the use of acetyl l carnitine in children with ADHD who do not have fragile X syndrome, but I think the use of an acetyl l-carnitine supplement is a safer option than prescription stimulants. I am not sure what the ideal dosage of acetyl carnitine for long term treatment would be in children, but a dosage of 5 to 10 mg per kilo is a reasonable one to begin with This dosage can be adjusted higher or lower as needed. For a 30 kg child, (66 pounds), this would be about 200 to 300 mg per day.

A double-blind, parallel, multicenter comparison of L-acetylcarnitine with placebo on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in fragile X syndrome boys.
Am J Med Genet A. 2008 Feb. Cattedra di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Università Cattolica, Rome, Italy.
A recent study showed that carnitine has a beneficial effect on the hyperactive-impulsive behavior in boys with ADHD without side effects. Our previous placebo-controlled trial indicated that L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) reduces hyperactivity in fragile X syndrome boys. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of L-acetylcarnitine at 20-50 mg/kg/day in a larger sample of fragile X syndrome boys with ADHD. Sixty-three fragile X syndrome males with ADHD (aged 6-13 years) were enrolled; 7 patients dropped out, 56 completed the one-year treatment, and 51 were included in the statistical analysis. Both groups improved their behavior, showing that psychosocial intervention has a significant therapeutic effect. However, we observed a stronger reduction of hyperactivity and improvement of social behavior in patients treated with L-acetylcarnitine, compared with the placebo group. Our results show that L-acetylcarnitine represents a safe alternative to the use of stimulant drugs for the treatment of ADHD in fragile X syndrome children.

Carnitine and ADHD
Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002 July. Department of Pediatrics, Westfries Gasthuis, Hoorn, The Netherlands.
In 13/24 boys receiving carnitine, home behavior and school behavior improved. In the majority of boys no side effects were seen.  Treatment with carnitine significantly decreased the attention problems and aggressive behavior in boys with ADHD.

ADHD natural remedy  - Herbal remedy for ADHD - ADHD natural treatment
Over the years many attempts have been made to find natural therapies for ADHD in order to avoid the use of stimulants such as Ritalin. Very little research has been done in this area since the medical profession has focused their attention almost exclusively on the use of stimulant drugs. It does seem probable that some nutrients or herbal remedies could eventually be found to be helpful. Some herbal remedies used in ADHD include ginkgo biloba and St. John's wort. Nutritional supplements include acetylcarnitine (see a few paragraphs below). Here's a research abstract on ADHD herbal remedy.

Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study.
J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001 May;26(3):221-8. Oceanside Functional Medicine Research Institute, Nanaimo, BC.
A combination herbal product containing American ginseng extract, Panax quinquefolium, (200 mg) and Ginkgo biloba extract (50 mg) (AD-FX; CV Technologies, Edmonton, Alta.) was tested for its ability to improve the symptoms of ADHD. AD-FX capsules were taken twice a day on an empty stomach for 4 weeks. Patients were instructed not to change any other medications during the study. After 2 weeks of the ADHD herbal remedy treatment, the proportion of the subjects exhibiting improvement ranged from 31% for the anxious-shy attribute to 67% for the psychosomatic attribute. After 4 weeks of treatment, the proportion of subjects exhibiting improvement ranged from 44% for the social problems attribute to 74% for the Conners' ADHD index and the DSM-IV hyperactive-impulsive attribute. Five (14%) of 36 subjects reported adverse events, only 2 of which were considered related to the study medication. These preliminary results suggest AD-FX treatment may improve symptoms of ADHD and should encourage further research on the use of ginseng and Ginkgo biloba extracts to treat ADHD symptoms.
   Comments: It may be preferable at first to just try one herb for a few weeks before adding another one. The combination of herbal remedy with pharmaceutical medication may be unpredictable. We suggest using the herbal remedy by itself, not in combination with ADHD drugs.

ADHD Diet and Nutrition - ADHD fish oils - ADHD Natural Remedy
Research indicates artificial food colorings and benzoate preservatives increase hyperactive behavior in preschool children. One recent study indicated that highly unsaturated fatty acids could well be helpful. Children with ADHD may have low iron stores and may benefit from iron supplements.
   One good dietary natural remedy for ADHD is to remove food coloring, preservatives, processed sugars and flour from the diet and replacing them with more protein and fish, along with adding omega-3 supplements such as fish oils.

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ADHD Drugs -- ADHD and Ritalin - are ADHD drugs safe?
The government is planning to strengthen warnings about possible psychiatric side effects from Concerta and related drug treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity, and is probing whether other ADHD drugs need updating, too. Concerta is a long-acting form of methylphenidate, sold generically and under the brand name Ritalin. For years, those drugs’ labels have listed possible psychiatric side effects, such as agitation, psychosis or transient depression. But a routine Food and Drug Administration review of Concerta’s use in children turned up more reports of psychiatric reactions than anticipated, including some that aren’t explicitly labeled, such as suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and violent behavior. A subsequent review of all methylphenidate products found similar reports.

Canadian Authorities think ADHD drugs are not safe
In May 2006, Canada's health ministry warned individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) or hyperthyroidism not to take drugs used to manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Health Canada said that in rare cases, patient with these conditions could suffer "rare heart-related side effects" from these drugs. All ADHD drugs stimulate the heart and blood vessels... The effects are usually mild or moderate, but in some patients this stimulation may -- in rare cases -- result in cardiac arrests, strokes or death. The ADHD drugs mentioned by Health Canada include:

Adderall XR, made by Britain's Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc
Concerta, made by Johnson & Johnson
Ritalin and Ritalin SR, made by Novartis AG
Dexedrine, made by GlaxoSmithKline Plc
Strattera, made by Eli Lilly and Co.

Fish Oils and ADHD
There are many reasons given for unruly children - from television to bad parenting to video games. But recent research suggests there may be a more subtle reason. A team of Oxford scientists showed in a series of trials that a range of behavioral disorders, including attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), can be dramatically improved by adding fish oil to the diet. Researchers tested 100 students suspected of having dyspraxia, a behavioral disorder related to movement and attention. The students were divided into two groups; one was given fish oils and the other placebos. After three months, half the group taking the fish oils no longer fit the criteria for abnormal behavior. The other group was switched to the same treatment soon after. The results were published in Paediatrics.

ADHD Drugs
ADHD drugs include Novartis AG's Ritalin and Focalin, Shire Plc's Adderall and Johnson & Johnson's Concerta. Critics say ADHD drugs are overprescribed, especially among children. There is a risk that ADHD drugs increae the chances of cardiovascular problems in some patients. There could also be psychiatric problems such as hallucinations.

Adult ADHD medication
Use of prescription drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is growing at a faster rate among adults than children. Between 2000 and 2004, use of drugs that help keep ADHD patients focused doubled among adults aged 20 to 44, but rose only 56 percent among children, according to data compiled by Medco Health Solutions, one of the country’s largest prescription benefit managers. Experts say reasons for the surge range from better drugs and advertising, to parents of children newly diagnosed with ADHD realizing they have the same symptoms. The makers of Adderall XR and Concerta have advertised their drugs in magazines geared to parents of kids with ADHD. And Eli Lilly & Co., which makes Strattera, has been running television ads aimed at adults who may not realize they have the disorder. ADHD symptoms include impulsivity, trouble concentrating, disorganization, procrastination and hyperactivity.

ADHD Drugs and Heart Disease
Drugs taken by millions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should come with strong warnings that they may raise some patients' risk of heart problems. In February 2006, a U.S. advisory panel narrowly voted to recommend the warning even though members agreed it was unclear if the drugs contribute to sudden deaths, heart attacks and other complications. ADHD drugs include Novartis AG's Ritalin and Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc's Adderall. The data is only suggestive at this point, but because of the gravity of the side effect, namely sudden death, physicians need to be made clearly aware of that concern.

New ADHD drug
Daytrana methylphenidate transdermal system became available in 2006.

ADHD due to enlarged tonsils?
Children's behavioral problems, including symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes improve after they have their tonsils removed. The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, support the theory that nighttime breathing problems -- and consequently poor sleep -- contribute to some children's behavioral difficulties during the day. When the tonsils at the back of the throat become enlarged, they can obstruct the breathing passages. Chronic breathing problems are a chief reason tonsillectomy is performed in children. It's it not clear what percentage of children with ADHD improve after tonsillectomy. It may be a small percentage.

Adult ADHD and Child AHDH Research Update
The Food and Drug Administration has advised doctors and care givers to monitor children and adolescents being treated with Eli Lilly and Co.’s Strattera drug for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lilly said it would add strong warnings, including the risk of suicidal thoughts, to its label for Strattera. Strattera will now carry a “black box” warning, the strongest required by regulators.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 and other fatty acids appears to reduce the educational and behavioral problems of children with a condition termed developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Moreover, symptoms typical of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD --, including difficulties in attention and concentration as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity, fell markedly.  In fact, the benefit of the supplements seemed to be similar to that usually achieved by stimulant medication.

Women who smoke during pregnancy nearly triple the risk their children will be born with attention deficit disorder.

Abbott Laboratories Inc. is halting sales of a 30-year-old adhd drug that a consumer group complained was too dangerous to stay on the market. Abbott decided to discontinue the adhd drug, Cylert, because of declining sales. Charges were made from consumer group Public Citizen that the drug had caused 21 cases of liver failure, including 13 that were fatal or required transplants. Generic companies sell copycat versions of the drug under the name pemoline. Public Citizen asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday to ban Cylert and its generic competitors immediately. Generic companies can still sell their versions even after Abbott pulls the adhd medicine, unless the FDA determines the drug was withdrawn for safety reasons.

Parents may find some help for their children's ADHD symptoms by going back to nature, new research suggests. The study of 452 parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder found that activities in "green" spaces such as farms, parks and even backyards often seemed to temporarily quell the children's symptoms. Children were more likely to show improved symptoms in the hour after an outdoor, green activity than after activities performed indoors or in concrete-and-steel settings, according to parents' reports.

A group of Italian researchers is recommending routine thyroid-function screening for women during early pregnancy, because they believe attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children may be associated with an iodine deficiency in mothers. The thyroid is a gland that helps regulate body growth and metabolism. The gland requires iodine to form thyroid hormone, a substance that is necessary to keep the body functioning normally. The condition in which levels of iodine in the thyroid gland are too low is called hypothyroxinemia. Based on a study that lasted almost 10 years, the Italian researchers believe that hypothyroxinemia in mothers during pregnancy may increase the risk of ADHD in their children.

Children with ADHD seem to have iron deficiency, according to the results of a small study. The researchers suggest that such kids may benefit from iron supplements. Iron deficiency causes abnormal functioning of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine and may contribute to the physiopathology of ADHD say researchers in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
The team measured iron levels in 53 children with ADHD and in a comparison group of 27 matched children. Ferritin levels in blood were used to assess iron stores, and a standard rating scale measured the severity of ADHD symptoms. 84 percent of the children with ADHD had abnormal ferritin levels compared with 18 percent in the "control" group. Extremely low serum ferritin levels were found in 32 percent ADHD subjects but only one of the matched kids. The researchers also saw that the lower the ferritin levels, the more severe were general ADHD symptoms, as well as specific mental deficits.

Brain scans of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show abnormalities in the fiber pathways along which brain signals pass. The finding indicates the disorder may be more than just a chemical imbalance, they added. Using an imaging technique called diffusion tensor imaging, researchers found subtle anatomical differences in children diagnosed with ADHD that may affect communication between key areas of the brain - the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, brain stem and cerebellum. These areas are involved in the process that regulate attention, impulsive behavior, motor activity, and inhibition - the key symptoms in ADHD children. In another study, brain irregularities diminished in children who had been medicated with stimulant drugs for an average of 2-1/2 years.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seems to be a risk factor for unprovoked seizures in children.

Allergic rhinitis in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity ADHD disorder.
Department of Allergy & Immunology, Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York
Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004 Jun;92(6):663-7.
Both allergic rhinitis and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common pediatric conditions associated with learning difficulties and sleep disturbances. There are conflicting research data regarding the association between ADHD and atopic disorders. To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with physician-diagnosed ADHD. METHODS: Patients 5 to 18 years of age who presented with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnosis of ADHD to an outpatient pediatric psychiatry clinic were screened for allergic rhinitis with focused history, physical examination, and skin prick testing to common aeroallergens. RESULTS: Thirty patients were interviewed, with 23 of these undergoing physical examination and skin prick testing. Eighty percent reported allergic rhinitis symptoms, whereas 61% had at least 1 positive prick skin test result. Forty-three percent showed typical physical signs of allergic rhinitis, 100% had a positive atopic family history, and 53% had other associated atopic disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with ADHD displayed symptoms and skin prick test results consistent with allergic rhinitis. Nasal obstruction and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis could explain some of the cognitive patterns observed in ADHD, which might result from sleep disturbance known to occur with allergic rhinitis. Therefore, evaluation and treatment of allergic rhinitis could benefit patients with ADHD.

Molecular genetics of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): an update.
Shastry BS.Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Neurochem Int. 2004 Jun;44(7):469-74.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heritable and behavioral condition of childhood, affecting 5-10% of school-age children worldwide. Affected patients exhibit various behavioral problems such as carelessness, restlessness, disobedience and failure to stay quiet in class. The etiology of ADHD is not known. However, family, twin and adoption studies have provided strong evidence for a genetic etiology of the disorder. A genome-wide scan has identified six chromosomal loci with LOD scores suggestive of linkage. Animal studies suggest the involvement of the brain dopamine pathway and its alteration in ADHD but there is no direct evidence to support this hypothesis. In addition, there are at least 20 candidate genes of small effect that have been studied but none of them appear to be the major gene causing ADHD. Medical intervention along with psychosocial therapy proved to be beneficial for controlling ADHD, although some undesirable side effects have been encountered during medical treatment. In the future, identification of environmental factors, study of additive gene effects and the interaction of genes and environmental factors may provide better insight into the pathophysiology of ADHD. This may lead to an effective new treatment strategy.

Acetyl- l-carnitine reduces impulsive behavior in adolescent rats.
Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2004 May 8
The attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect human infants and adolescents. One important feature of this disorder is behavioural impulsivity. This study assessed the ability of chronic acetyl- l-carnitine (ALC, saline or 100 mg/kg SC, plus 50 mg/kg orally) to reduce impulsivity in a validated animal model for ADHD. Food-restricted rats were tested during adolescence (postnatal days, pnd, 30-45) in operant chambers with two nose-poking holes, one delivering one food pellet immediately, and the other five pellets after a delay. Delay length was increased over days (from 0 to 80 s). Individual differences in the preference-delay curve emerged, with the identification of two distinct subpopulations, one with a nearly horizontal curve and another with a very steep ("impulsive") slope. The impulsivity profile was slightly but consistently reduced by chronic ALC administration. Consistent results were also obtained with methylphenidate (MPH, saline or 3 mg/kg IP twice daily). Impulsive rats exhibited a lower metabolite/serotonin (5HIAA/5HT) ratio in the medial frontal cortex (MFC) and lower noradrenaline levels in the MFC and cingulate cortex (CC) when compared with the other subgroup. The ALC treatment increased NA levels in the CC and the 5HIAA/5HT ratio in both CC and MFC. Present data suggest that ALC, a drug devoid of psychostimulant properties, may have some beneficial effects in the treatment of ADHD children.

Artificial food colorings and benzoate preservatives increase hyperactive behavior in preschool children, according to a new report. Despite claims about the detrimental behavioral effects of artificial food colorings and preservatives, the authors explain in the June Archives of Disease in Childhood, there have been no broad studies of the prevalence of ADHD related to intolerance to food additives. Dr. John O. Warner from Southampton General Hospital, UK, and colleagues studied the impact of artificial food colorings and benzoate preservative on the behavior of 277 preschool children. At the start, 36 children had ADHD and allergies, 75 were only hyperactive, 79 had only allergies, and 87 did not have either condition. Parents' ratings of their children's hyperactivity fell after withdrawal of food additives from the children's diets

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zinc sulfate in the treatment of ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Bilici M. Karadeniz Technical University, School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey.
The most commonly used medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the psychostimulants. There is, however, considerable awareness in alternative, nonstimulant therapies, because some patients respond poorly to stimulants or are unable to tolerate them. Some studies suggest that deficiency of zinc play a substantial role in the aetiopathogenesis of ADHD. Therefore, to assess the efficacy of zinc sulfate we conducted treatment trial. METHODS: Patients with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD  were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with zinc sulfate (n=202) (150 mg/day) or placebo (n=198). Efficacy was assessed with the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale (ADHDS), Conners Teacher Questionnaire, and DuPaul Parent Ratings of ADHD. Primary efficacy variables were differences from baseline to endpoint (last observation carried forward) in mean ADHDS and Conners Teacher Questionnaire scores between the zinc sulfate and the placebo groups. Safety evaluations included monitoring of adverse events, vital signs and clinical laboratory values. RESULTS: Zinc sulfate was statistically superior to placebo in reducing both hyperactive, impulsive and impaired socialization symptoms, but not in reducing attention deficiency symptoms, as assessed by ADHDS. However, full therapeutic response rates of the zinc and placebo groups remained 28.7% and 20%, respectively. It was determined that the hyperactivity, impulsivity and socialization scores displayed significant decrease in patients of older age and high BMI score with low zinc and free fatty acids (FFA) levels. Zinc sulfate was well tolerated and associated with a low rate of side effect. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc monotherapy was significantly superior to placebo in reducing symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impaired socialization in patients with ADHD. Although by themselves, these findings may not be sufficient, it may well be considered that zinc treatment appears to be an efficacious treatment for ADHD patients having older age and high BMI score with low zinc and FFA levels.

Adults with a history of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often suffer from multiple psychiatric problems during their lives including depression, anxiety and substance use.

Emails regarding ADHD
Thank you for a VERY informative website.  I have taken Kava occasionally for depression. I suffer from SAD and adult ADHD. It really helps with the calming overall, and seems to help me sleep through the night. (With ADD there is a tendency to wake up and channel surf a couple times a night!

I just wanted to let you know that I had ordered Mind Power Rx about 8 months ago and found it to be extremely helpful in keeping focus. I have been diagnosed with Adult ADD and had been on Concerta (basically Ritalin) for some time. I know that this drug can be taxing on the liver and other organs as many prescriptions, but I really felt that I needed the focus it gave me. After doing research on more natural approaches to my issue, I came across physician formulas. I haven't had any Mind Power Rx in a while, but I just placed another order and anticipate it greatly. Thank you for an oustanding product!

I find DMAE helps me with my ADHD symptoms. My daughter is able to substitute one DMAE tablet every other day for her Adderall which reduces her need for this drug. So she takes Aderall one day, and DMAE one tablet the next day, alternating the use.

I am a 52 years old man and diagnosted with ADHD.  I live in the Netherlands. I have two sons with ADHD also. I tried ritalin but stopped after a week, ritalin took my fantasy and creativity away. It helps me better than ritalin did. I have peace in my head and I don't have aggressive outbursts anymore. My sons go amazingly better at school now with l-carnitine.

Hi, I have a 14 year old daughter that has most of the symptoms of adhd. I have tried a product called the smart pill by only natural which has a good combination. It has helped in the behavior department tremendously and some in focusing. She is calmer and less angry and less liable to trigger at things. This above combo enables me to relate to a calmer and happier child. Even i as a possible adder, i have felt much better, less anxious and less obsessing on anything and everything. I have had my daughter diagnosed with learning disabilities but not yet add. I have researched this and all the problems areas for the last year and never seem to get enough information. Thanks for your site, it is easy to look for information and is easy to understand.

I have miraculously stumbled onto your website, how wonderful and educational. I have recently taken my 8yr old son off of Ritalin due to ADHD combined type and after long research i have put him on natural supplements. He is taking a combination of DMAE and Leci-PS , also a combination in one, of omega 3 fatty acids and a multivitamin high in magnesium and natural food minerals. This has worked tremendously.

I am from Romania. I wanna tell you about my experience in treating ADHD. The child is now 2 years and 11 month.At the age 2 years and 6 months,he wasn't playing, speaking, eating only milk and bread, running in circle watching advertising on TV only,v ery hiperactive all the time. The only word was "mama" as a stereotip. First of all,he was put on a glutein& cistein free diet, then before eating in the morning he had taken 1 tonotil-n . Later,in the afternoon,I gave him 1 tablet of minerals& vitamins,3 pills of spirulin & chlorella,1 pill of yucca, 1 pill of pycnogenol,1 pill of lactobacillus & bifidus essensis. Now, he is on the same treatment. The child is playing ,speaking, not entirely correctly, is recovered 90% ,and the stereotips are gone 95% . He is less hiperactive, is sleeping at noon, and over the night.

ADHD is infrequently associated with Tourette's Syndrome

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Tongkat ali is an aphrodisiac
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coq10 improves energy
5-HTP is used as a serotonin precursor

Q. I was surprised in reading your information about ADHA that there was no mention of Magnesium. With a society willing to choose soft drinks over water it further deminishes the supply as studies show that the phoshates in the drinks further deplete mag. I became interested in studying this as my son has ADHD. I dropped all cola from his diet and supplied him with 1000mg Cal/mag/ZInc. Within two weeks, I noticed a more calm, focused and overall settled young man. His grades are slowly improving and after a month, I received a note from one of his teachers that she has noticed an improvement in his behavior. I myself have taken the same dose and I'm less stressed then normal. I also sleep better at night for some reason.

Q. I've been searching for all nature herbs on websites to try for my son who is 11 and has adhd. He has been on the traditional adhd prescription drugs for a few years now. I read over your website and I'm not even sure if you can answer these questions or not, but is Mind Power Rx appropriate for his age? Do you give any info about possible side effects? I'm really needing some help and most doctors that write prescriptions for adhd don't encourage parents in any other direction, besides the traditional adhd meds. Whatever info you can provide will help me.
     A. We have some anecdotal reports of Mind Power Rx helpful in adhd, but we don't have any studies to prove it. If you wish to try Mind Power Rx, the dose could be half or one capsule a day, taking a break one or two days a week, and having your doctor supervise this to make sure the dosage is appropriate. Side effects could include overstimulation or insomnia when used in high doses. Since we don't have long term feedback regarding Mind Power Rx use in children with adhd, we don't know if Mind Power Rx has long term side effects, and so we recommend taking a day or two off each week.

Q. I have been diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). The drug concerta has been recomended for me to try. But I would like to know if there is an alternative herbal supplement I can try first before I go for a prescription of this drug, that has little or no side effects. I want to be more focused on what I am doing and less hyperactive.
     A. All we can say is to read this web page and discuss with your doctor the many options.

Q. My just 8-yo has ADHD. I give her one Mind Power Rx (alone) weekday mornings. The initial effect is/was amazingly quick and noticeable. However, by lunch time the effects are wearing off. I've read your FAQ and the ingredients on the bottle. My question- is there a reason I should/could not give her 1 capsule in the morning and one in the afternoon?
     A. Mind Power Rx was formulated for adults, and we have had some feedback from parents that it helped their child, but since we don't have much details on the use of Mind Power Rx in children with ADHD, and adults with ADHD, we really can't say much more. One option is to have supervision by your child's doctor and use the lowest amount and number of capsules that work for your child and take occasional breaks from use. We wish we had more research on Mind Power Rx and ADHD, but since this product was formulated in 2005, we really don't have more info at this time.

Q. I have a grandson who seems to be getting 'lay diagnosis' from his school teacher, Sunday School teacher, etc. that he has ADD. While, in the end, this could be true, what I 'do know' is that Colt is a 6 year old who is very intelligent and inquisitive by nature; he is hyper-energetic; he gets bored easily; and, most importantly, his diet is terrible. I worked in the field of Nutrition for about 20 years before being forced to retire early by my New Companion [Multiple Sclerosis] I believe God when he said 'Food is your Medicine' I believe a person's diet is the first step toward good health; however, this child 'refuses' to eat 'anything' but Burger King Chicken Nuggets; french fries,and pizza - and small amounts of those. The closest thing to a Health Food he will eat is the kid's yogurt drink by Dannon. I believe Colt's brain/body is deficit in calories as well as nutrients to keep his little bright brain functioning properly. Everyone is advising my daughter to put Colt on one of the ADD drugs. She is a nurse; she knows the side-affects of these drugs well; so do I. We want to do that as a last resort.

Q. Dear Dr. Sahelian, I happened on your nice website about alternative treatments, and on your ADHD web page
you mention removing additives from the diet of children with ADHD. You also talk a little about a study on the
effectiveness of zinc sulfate. I would like to add to that, that there were studies in 1990s by Dr. Ward in UK, in which he determined that children with ADHD lost zinc when exposed to coloring - and children without ADHD did not lose zinc. This could even be considered as a biomarker, but has been largely ignored. Again, it may be that such a ADHD child would do better to remove the additives before blindly adding zinc. I would like to bring to your attention that in the United States & Canada, there is an organization that teaches parents how to remove the worst of the additives without sacrificing the "American Diet." That organization is the Feingold Association, and you may want to offer a link to it at either http://www.feingold.org or http://ADDdiet.com. In the UK, there is a similar organization at http://www.hacsg.org.uk/ and in Australia, the similar (but more restrictive) Failsafe diet is offered through http://www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info/ I hope that by adding these links, you will be helping more of your readers
actually succeed in their efforts. Thank you and have a happy new year. Shula Edelkind, Feingold Program Research Librarian.

Q. Are there any specific herbal remedy for ADHD. My son is on ADHD drug and I rather use an herbal remedy.
   A. There are some nutrients and supplements as discussed above that have been looked at, but no thorough research has yet been done.

Q. I am interested in a healthy alternative to symptoms of ADHD and Bi-Polar for my husband and son. I have purchased choline Bitartrate, Fish Oil Fisole, Mind Power Rx and 5 HTP. How should I take them?
   A. You can discuss with your health care provider since we can't give individual advice except to say to first try one supplement at a time for a week or two rather than mixing them and not knowing which one is working or not working.

Q. Can you tell me if I can give Mind Power Rx to my 16 yr old son to help w/ his ADHD? I want to get him off all his medication and am looking for alternatives to Adderal.
   A. We can't make that decision for you. You may wish to ask his doctor to read our info on Mind Power Rx and ADHD natural treatment, and then suggest a course of action.