Zinc for ADHD

Foods containing zinc

Various studies in the neropsycholopharmacology literature suggest that zinc supplementation may confer benefits in patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Zinc might benefit ADHD symptoms

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in numerous physiological processes. Zinc serves as a co-factor for a variety of enzymes, including those in neuronal metabolism, is important in melatonin production, assists in essential fatty acid absorption, and is involved in the regulation of dopamine in the brain and central nervous system. It may also be directly involved in dopamine transporters that shuttle this vital neurochemical between cells in the nervous system.

The minimum effective dose of zinc for ADHD appears to be 15mg of elemental zinc taken twice daily. In some studies zinc alone was slightly superior to placebo in decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity associated with ADHD. Zinc is more effectively used to boost the effectiveness of traditional ADHD medications and has resulted in up to a 37% decrease in the dose of traditional stimulant medications.

Why It Might Work

There appears to be a correlation between low blood levels of zinc and the presence of ADHD. Many people with ADHD many be deficient in zinc and this in turn affects dopamine regulation. Dopamine dysregulation has been linked to ADHD. In addition, zinc is an important enzyme co-factor and if deficient it can impede proper neuronal metabolism, fatty acid absorption, and melatonin production. Zinc has also been implicated in directly interacting with dopamine transporters in the brain and central nervous system.

Precautions

Zinc supplementation can cause nausea and an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

Zinc supplementation alone is not appropriate for primary treatment of ADHD. It should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional and in conjunction with other proven ADHD treatments.

Zinc can interfere with the absorption of other trace minerals such as copper, magnesium, and iron.

If zinc is added to ADHD treatment, doses of stimulant medications may need to be lowered as the mineral boosts their effectiveness. Be sure to consult with your regular healthcare provider before adding zinc to your regimen.

More Remedies

• Click here for all ADHD remedies