over diagnosed and overmedicated? | ADHD Information
A physician can have lab tests run to determine which neurotransmitters are in short supply and subsequently prescribe an appropriate amino acid regime.
* B-complex supplements are required to assist the brain enzymes that process carbohydrates for energy and to regulate neurotransmitters.
* DHA is often present at lower levels in ADHD children than in normal children, as mentioned previously. Optimizing levels of this fatty acid has been clinically shown to improve behavior in ADHD children. Several companies supply DHA supplements made from microalgae, and one supplies a combination of DHA, AA and gamma-linolenic acid. I do not recommend supplementing with the fatty acid precursors linoleic and linolenic acid because neither children nor adults can convert them in sufficient quantities to meet the body's need for DHA and AA. It's a good idea to increase consumption of fatty cold-water fish such as salmon, herring and tuna, all rich sources of DHA.
Omega-3 (you may sometimes see it written as n-3 or w-3) is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent omega-3 - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - is described as 'essential' as, like vitamins, it must be obtained from diet. It is polyunsaturated and has 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds (18:3).
However, from the point of view of human nutrition, the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5)and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) - EPA and DHA - are considered much more valuable as these are the forms the body requires. In theory, humans are able to synthesise EPA and DHA from dietary ALA, but in practice this process is inefficient. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA should be obtained from diet. Oil-rich fish and supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil, are the richest and most readily available sources. Other sources such as krill and fortified everyday foods like bread and fruit juices are in production in a minor way in various parts of the world.
Omega-3 synthesis
Alpha-linolenic acid ALA (18:3)
Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA (20:5)
Docosahexaenoic acid DHA (22:6)
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role as structural membrane lipids, particularly in nerve tissue and the retina and are precursors to eicosanoids - highly reactive substances such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes that act locally to influence a wide range of functions in cells and tissues.
* Vitamin C and proanthocyanidins (found in grape seed extract) are essential for several brain functions. Vitamin C is needed to manufacture neurotransmitters, and the proanthocyanidins modify enzymatic activities including catecholamine transfer enzyme. 16 Proanthocyanidins also prevent vitamin C from being oxidized or interacting with copper and iron to produce free radicals. Choosing the correct proanthocyanidin can be tricky because there are so many generic grape seed extracts. Check with your retailer to ascertain the quality.
* Zinc and magnesium supplementation in addition to a multimineral is a good idea because deficiencies in both zinc and magnesium have been associated with ADHD. Magnesium levels appear to be low in patients with ADHD, and supplementation has reduced hyperactivity. 17 Zinc deficiency in ADHD children was associated with low fatty acid levels, and the relationship between the two was studied by a Polish team. Of 48 ADHD and 45 normal children, the ADHD group had significantly lower zinc and fatty acid blood levels. 18
Nutrition offers parents what they really want--a way to beat ADD and ADHD. Sometimes medication provides a quick solution by masking the symptoms, but it doesn't really offer long-term hope. Only nutrition combined with behavioral therapy can do that.
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Sometimes medication provides a quick solution by masking the symptoms, but it doesn't really offer long-term hope. Only nutrition combined with behavioral therapy can do that
Bull - tell a schizophrenic or manic depressive the same thing and see what type of reaction you get.