ADHD
[ PLANKTON NUITRIENTS ]
FATTY ACIDS | OMEGA-3
Research
A (Chinese) study compares 21 children diagnosed with ADHD against a control group consisting of 21 peers without this condition. During the research, it was accurately recorded which quantities the children received when it came to essential fatty acids, including the omega-3 fatty acids. Bloodtests were done regularly with the two groups to check whether there were any deficiencies with respect to the aforementioned fatty acids.
Results
In addition to this, both groups were exposed to various tests to determine whether there were symptoms. The children who had ADHD showed a significantly greater deficiency of essential fatty acids than the control group. The first group also showed significantly less positive results on tests on unrestrained behaviour and the temporary processing of information. The condition of the first group of related symptoms was associated with a fatty acid deficiency in the blood, but not with the consumption of these fatty acids. In addition, it also emerged that unrestrained behaviour was more pronounced as this deficiency increased.
Children with ADHD have a significantly larger deficiency of essential fatty acids compared to healthy children, despite an equal intake of these fatty acids. Symptoms of the aforementioned condition have been associated with this deficiency of essential fatty acids. It is conceivable that children with this disease consume higher amounts of these fatty acids or that they convert the same fatty acids less adequately (15)(37).
MINERALS | IRON
Iron deficiency
Studies have shown that an iron deficiency in the body can promote the development of ADHD in young children. The study consisited of 53 children aged 4-14 diagnosed with ADHD, and a control group of 27 children without ADHD aged 4-14 as well.
What the researchers noticed was that the amount of ferritin contributed heavily to the behaviour of those children with ADHD. Ferritin is a protein that connects iron throughout the body and important organs.
A low level of iron meant that there was too much ferritin left over, causing 84% of children with ADHD to show more symptoms connected to ADHD in comparison to only 18% of the children without ADHD.
The researchers concluded the experiment by stating that low amounts of iron in the body contribute to ADHD and that those children would benefit from using iron supplements to keep their iron levels intact.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might benefit from the right iron supplements as well. However, be sure to consult your doctor first before commencing (38).