Attention deficit disorder (ADD) refers to two conditions: ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder). These are characterized by difficulty sustaining attention or completing tasks, being easy distracted, prone to impulsive behavior, and, in the case of ADHD, a pronounced inclination to fidget and move about. Obviously ADD/ADHD can make it very difficult to succeed at work or school.

The standard medical treatment for ADD/ADHD involves the use of stimulants such as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta®), as well as the recently FDA approved drug atomoxetine (Strattera®). There are also certain antidepressants that have proven helpful in some instances.

Natural Treatments

For a very long time it was commonly believed that, sugar, food allergies, and food additives such as artificial colors, contributed to the genesis of ADD. However, the published evidence to-date concerning these is largely incomplete and sometimes contradictory.  The sole exception is artificial colors and food additives. In one very revealing (double-blind, placebo-controlled) study involving one hundred and fifty-three (153) children without ADD, consumption of foods containing certain food additives significantly increased hyperactivity as compared to a placebo.  If normal children become hyperactive after consuming food additives, what does this suggest about children with tendencies towards ADD?

The dietary connection has had additional life breathed in it by a growing body of evidence that suggests that opioid peptides (called “exorphins”) derived from dietary gluten and casein may be triggers or contributors to ADD.  Indeed, scientists now suspect that a diet rich in grains, cereals and dairy foods sets the stage for a number of chronic diseases. This is logical when you think about it, because these foods were only introduced within the last 10,000 years and run contrary to metabolic patterns that go back in our species for millions of years. In short, there is a big mismatch between modern diets and the ancient or Paleolithic (“Stone Age”) dietary patterns we are adapted to thrive on.

Not surprisingly, many parents report that removing grains, cereals and diary foods from their ADD-plagued children results in substantial symptomatic improvements. It does, however, apparently take up to a year for the body to rid itself of the offending peptides (NOTE: The clinical studies done to-date involving gluten-free and casein-free diets for ADD fell far short of one year, and thus researchers did not see the kinds of results expected).

You can read more about the Paleodiet or Stone Age Diet in Health Benefits of Vitamin K2 by Larry M. Howard & Dr. Anthony G. Payne

There is some evidence that DMAE (2-Dimethylaminoethanol) may help ADD, at least according to studies performed in the 1970s. In one double-blind study fifty children aged 6 to 12 years with hyperkinesia received either DMAE or a placebo. The DMAE or treatment group had statistically significant improvements in test scores compared to the placebo group

In another ten week double-blind study, DMAE was compared with Ritalin and a placebo in seventy-four (74) children with "learning disabilities" (ADD). The study revealed significant test score improvements in both treatment groups (DMAE, Ritalin®), while the placebo group did not show statistically significant gains.

In a recent study, twenty children with ADHD were treated with either Ritalin® or a food supplement formula containing a mixture of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, phospholipids, and probiotics. Both groups demonstrated similar, significant improvements on psychological tests that gauged attention and self-control. The results suggest that certain food supplements may be as effective as Ritalin® in treating ADHD.

Some scientists feel that abnormalities in energy production and fatty acid processing in the mitochondria of the brain may be one of culprits that underlie the behavioral and brain changes

 in ADHD. In a rodent model of ADHD, use of acetyl-L-carnitine reduced impulsive behavior and increased levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline in the medial frontal cortex. “Acetyl-L-carnitine.........may have some beneficial effects in the treatment of ADHD children,” according to Italian investigators. Not surprisingly, 13 of 24 boys treated with carnitine in a randomized controlled study improved significantly (by 20-65%) in terms of behavior at home and school.

In a pilot study, 36 children with ADHD were treated for four weeks with American ginseng (200 mg/day) and ginkgo biloba (50 mg/day). Between 33% and 75% experienced reduced anxiety, shyness, social problems, hyperactivity, and/or impulsiveness.

There is also a modicum of evidence that ADHD patients may benefit from pycnogenol, an extract of French maritime pine bark. Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant and also supports healthy blood vessel function. Sedating or nervine herbs such as passionflower and valerian, or the amino acid L-Theanine appear to help in managing certain symptoms of hyperactivity in children with ADHD.

Vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, and multivitamin/multimineral supplements have been reported to reduce ADD symptoms. The effects appear hard to nail down, possibly because the most used forms of the B-vitamins are released all at once (in the body) with the excess winding up excreted into the urine. This can be remedied by using a slow release B-vitamin/multivitamin such as  NUTRACENE

At least one study suggests that massage might be helpful for ADD.

And finally, one study found that melatonin can help improve sleep in children with ADHD taking stimulant drugs.  However, melatonin did not impact ADHD symptoms in general. Readers interested in acquiring a premium melatonin product should take a look at SAMeSLEEP

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