Supplements for ADHD

Supplements for ADHD: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Guide

Introduction: The Growing Interest in Nutritional Approaches

Parents, healthcare professionals, and individuals with ADHD increasingly seek alternatives to traditional medication. Whilst stimulant medications like methylphenidate remain the first-line treatment for ADHD, concerns about side effects drive many towards nutritional interventions. This comprehensive guide examines the scientific evidence behind supplements for ADHD, focusing on what actually works according to rigorous clinical trials.

ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents worldwide, with symptoms persisting into adulthood for many. The condition significantly impacts academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Standard pharmaceutical treatments work effectively for many patients, yet up to 30% may not respond adequately or experience intolerable side effects. This reality has sparked substantial research into dietary interventions and supplements for ADHD management.

Understanding the Rationale: Why Consider Supplements for ADHD?

Multiple factors contribute to ADHD’s complex aetiology, including genetic influences, prenatal exposures, and potentially nutritional deficiencies. Research suggests that certain nutritional imbalances may exacerbate symptoms or contribute to the disorder’s development. Some children with ADHD show lower blood levels of specific nutrients, whilst others may have increased nutritional needs due to altered metabolism.

The brain requires substantial nutritional support for optimal function. Neurotransmitter synthesis, membrane function, and cellular signalling all depend on adequate vitamin and mineral availability. This biological reality provides a sound theoretical basis for investigating supplements for ADHD, though theory alone cannot replace rigorous clinical evidence.

You may like to read my blog on ADHD And Gut Health which dives specifically into this area.

Please note that the below is for educational purposes only. I strongly recommend working with a health professional to ensure safe use of supplements, especially in young children and those on medications.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): The Most Studied Supplements for ADHD

What the Research Shows

Polyunsaturated fatty acids represent the most extensively researched nutritional intervention for ADHD, with 31 randomised controlled trials including 1,755 patients examined in a comprehensive meta-analysis. The rationale appears compelling: essential fatty acids regulate neurotransmitter and immune functions, modulate cell membrane signalling, and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

The Evidence: Mixed but Important Findings

The systematic review found no clinically significant effect on ADHD core symptoms rated by parents, with a standardised mean difference of -0.17, representing only a 3.4% decrease on rating scales. Teacher-rated symptoms similarly showed no improvement. These findings might appear discouraging, yet important nuances emerge upon closer examination.

Why Results Vary

Twenty studies on PUFA supplementation showed heterogeneous methodologies, doses, and specific fatty acids used, making systematic conclusions difficult. Fourteen studies used docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), whilst others used alpha-linolenic acid or omega-6 fatty acids. Daily doses ranged dramatically between studies, potentially explaining inconsistent outcomes.

Individual Response Matters

Studies found that increased erythrocyte EPA and DHA levels associated with improved spelling, attention, and reduced oppositional behaviour, hyperactivity, and cognitive problems in some participants. Children with learning difficulties showed particularly strong correlations, with increased DHA associated with improved word reading, spelling, divided attention, and lower parent ratings of oppositional behaviour and hyperactivity.

This suggests that supplements for ADHD containing omega-3 fatty acids may benefit specific subgroups, particularly those with baseline deficiencies or co-occurring learning difficulties. The certainty of evidence remains questionable due to methodological limitations, meaning conclusive guidance cannot yet be provided.

Practical Recommendations for Omega-3 Supplements

For families considering omega-3 supplements for ADHD:

• Check baseline levels: Blood tests can identify omega-3 deficiencies that supplementation might address.
• Choose quality sources: Look for supplements providing both EPA and DHA from fish oil or algae sources.
• Consider doses used in research: Studies typically used 500-1,000mg daily of combined EPA and DHA.
• Monitor individual response: Track symptoms systematically over 12-16 weeks.
• Maintain realistic expectations: Effects, if present, typically manifest as modest improvements rather than dramatic changes.

Recommended Product: We’ve given our boys Cod Liver Oil from 12 months onwards.

Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals as Supplements for ADHD

Zinc Supplementation

Multiple studies investigated zinc supplementation, with mixed results. One trial found zinc supplementation combined with methylphenidate produced greater improvements in inattention scores compared to methylphenidate with placebo. Another study reported that zinc supplementation allowed for 37% lower optimal amphetamine doses.

In children with attention deficit disorder subtype specifically, zinc supplementation showed greater improvements compared to placebo, whilst omega-3 supplementation showed even greater improvements compared to zinc.

These findings suggest zinc may support ADHD treatment, particularly when combined with medication, though it appears less effective than omega-3 fatty acids as a standalone supplement for ADHD.

Recommended Product: Zinc 15 (this is the same dose used in some of the studies)

Vitamin D: Emerging Evidence

Three studies examined vitamin D supplementation in children with ADHD. All three found positive outcomes on parent-rated behavioural indices and ADHD symptoms. One randomised controlled trial administering 2,000 IU daily of vitamin D3 found substantially higher serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in supplemented children.

Another study providing 50,000 IU weekly reported significant decreases in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention problems, with particularly pronounced improvements in patients with insufficient baseline vitamin D levels. A third trial found significant improvements in conceptual level, inattention, opposition, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children receiving 3,000 IU daily compared to placebo.

Vitamin D represents one of the most promising single-nutrient supplements for ADHD, particularly for children with documented deficiency. The mechanism likely involves vitamin D’s effects on dopamine levels through calcium signalling, antioxidant properties, and gene expression.

Recommended Product: Vitamin D3/k2 Spray

Magnesium Supplementation

Studies combining vitamin D with magnesium supplementation found improvements in conduct problems, social problems, and anxiety scores. After eight weeks of combined supplementation, children showed significant increases in serum magnesium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels, correlating with improved behavioural and emotional health.

Magnesium deficiency affects multiple enzymatic processes and may contribute to hyperactivity. Whilst evidence for magnesium as a standalone supplement for ADHD remains limited, combining it with vitamin D appears beneficial.

Recommended Product: Magnesium Biglycinate

Broad-Spectrum Micronutrient Formulations

Several studies investigated comprehensive micronutrient formulations containing 13 vitamins, 17 minerals, and 4 amino acids. A fully blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial with 93 children found 51% of those receiving micronutrients versus 27% on placebo showed clinically significant improvement.

The micronutrient group demonstrated improvements in inattention, hyperactivity symptoms, aggression, emotional dysregulation, conduct problems, and problem behaviour compared to placebo. A naturalistic follow-up study found 84% of those continuing micronutrients showed “much” or “very much” improvement, compared to 50% switching to psychiatric medications and only 21% discontinuing all treatment.

These broad-spectrum supplements for ADHD show promising results, potentially because they address multiple nutritional deficiencies simultaneously rather than targeting single nutrients.

Recommended Product: Children’s Mindlinx Multi

Amino Acids and Peptides as Supplements for ADHD

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

One study investigated acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) as an adjunct to methylphenidate. Whilst ALC did not significantly improve ADHD symptoms, children in the ALC group experienced fewer adverse events, particularly headaches and irritability.

ALC optimises mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and may enhance frontal lobe function. The lack of symptom improvement suggests limited efficacy as a primary supplement for ADHD, though its side-effect-reducing properties warrant further investigation.

Recommended Product: Acetyl-L-Carnitine

L-Carnosine

A randomised double-blind trial examined L-carnosine combined with methylphenidate. The combined treatment group showed significantly greater improvements in parent-rated ADHD symptoms at both four and eight weeks compared to methylphenidate with placebo. However, teacher-rated symptoms showed no significant differences.

L-carnosine concentrates highly in brain tissue and may enhance frontal lobe functions relevant to ADHD. The discrepancy between parent and teacher ratings raises questions about the specificity of effects.

Recommended Product: L-Carnosine

Phosphatidylserine

An eight-week randomised trial with 36 children found phosphatidylserine supplementation produced significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, attention deficit, and hyperactivity symptoms according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Participants also showed improvements in short-term auditory memory and reduced errors on attention tasks.

Phosphatidylserine modulates receptor, enzyme, and ion channel activity whilst contributing to membrane fluidity. These mechanisms make biological sense for ADHD treatment, and the clinical evidence appears more convincing than for other amino acid derivatives.

Recommended Product: Phosphatidylserine

Dietary Approaches: Beyond Individual Supplements for ADHD

The Few Foods Diet and Oligoantigenic Approaches

A retrospective study of the few-foods diet found 78% of participants discontinued medication whilst following the diet. Among children not initially taking medication, 70% showed behavioural improvements of 40% or more, with an overall 72% symptom reduction.

Similarly, an oligoantigenic diet study found 62.5% of children responded positively according to blinded raters after four weeks. These elimination diets remove common allergens and additives, suggesting food sensitivities may contribute to symptoms in some children.

The DASH Diet

A three-month randomised trial with 86 children examined the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Significant improvements in ADHD symptoms occurred compared to a control diet, highlighting the potential role of overall dietary patterns in symptom management.

The DASH diet emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy whilst limiting sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars. This balanced approach may address multiple nutritional factors simultaneously.

Gluten-Free Diets

A pilot study with six ADHD patients following a gluten-free diet for four months found three reported ADHD symptom improvements despite negative celiac serology. All participants reported significant alleviation of digestive symptoms and headaches.

This suggests non-celiac gluten sensitivity may contribute to symptoms in some individuals. However, the small sample size and lack of control group limit conclusions.

Herbal Supplements for ADHD

Ginkgo Biloba

Studies on Ginkgo biloba show mixed results. One trial found Ginkgo biloba less effective than methylphenidate for ADHD symptoms. However, another study adding Ginkgo biloba to methylphenidate found significant improvements in inattention scores and parent total rating scores compared to methylphenidate with placebo.

Recommended Product: Gingko Biloba

Korean Red Ginseng

An eight-week double-blind trial with 70 children found Korean red ginseng significantly improved inattention and hyperactivity scores. Supplementation also significantly decreased quantitative EEG theta/beta ratio, a marker of cognitive processing capacity.

Recommended Product: Korean Red Ginseng

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

A randomised trial comparing methylphenidate alone to methylphenidate combined with saffron found both groups showed reduced ADHD symptoms. However, the combined methylphenidate-saffron group demonstrated significantly lower ADHD Rating Scale-IV scores at four weeks compared to methylphenidate alone.

Saffron contains compounds with neuroprotective properties and may enhance neurotransmitter function, making it a promising complementary supplement for ADHD.

Recommended Product: Saffron

The Gut-Brain Connection: Probiotics as Supplements for ADHD

Emerging Research

One preventive study administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to pregnant women and their infants for six months after birth. At 13-year follow-up, ADHD or Asperger syndrome occurred in 17.1% of placebo children but none in the probiotic group. Children later diagnosed with ADHD or Asperger syndrome had lower levels of Bifidobacterium species bacteria during the first six months of life.

Discover the reasons for your gut symptoms.

View our gut health tests

Another study investigated Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation, finding positive effects on ADHD symptoms and significant changes in gut microbiota composition. A randomised trial examining micronutrient supplementation found changes in ADHD symptoms associated with decreased levels of Bifidobacterium species alongside improvements in focus and overall functioning.

These findings suggest gut microbiota may influence ADHD symptoms, though the mechanisms remain unclear. The gut produces neurotransmitters, influences inflammation, and communicates with the brain through multiple pathways. Probiotics represent an intriguing avenue for future supplements for ADHD, though current evidence remains preliminary.

Artificial Food Colours: What to Avoid

Research on artificial food colourings in college students with ADHD found mild signs of inattention following 225mg exposure. Previous research in children has shown similar effects, suggesting some individuals with ADHD may be sensitive to artificial additives.

Whilst not technically a supplement for ADHD, removing artificial colours from the diet may benefit some children. This simple dietary modification carries no risk and may be worth attempting before adding multiple supplements.

Marine Oils: Beyond Standard Omega-3s

A 14-week randomised trial with 144 individuals examined marine oil extract PCSO-524®. Results showed significant improvements in inhibition and reduced error-making compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits in managing ADHD symptoms.

Marine oils contain unique combinations of omega-3 fatty acids and other bioactive compounds not present in standard fish oil supplements. This specialised extract represents an emerging area for supplements for ADHD research.

Critical Limitations and Considerations

Study Quality Concerns

The overall certainty of evidence for many supplements remains low to very low due to problems with imprecise effect estimates, small studies, and serious risk of bias. Risk of bias primarily stemmed from problems with blinding observers and methodological flaws in randomisation, allocation concealment, and handling incomplete data.

The Challenge of Individualised Response

Not all children with ADHD respond to the same interventions. One study identified several potential predictors of response to micronutrient supplementation, including lower pre-treatment folate and B12 levels, being female, greater symptom severity, more co-occurring disorders, more pregnancy complications, and fewer birth problems.

This highlights the importance of personalised approaches rather than one-size-fits-all recommendations for supplements for ADHD.

Duration and Sustainability

Most studies examined short-term interventions lasting 8-16 weeks. Long-term efficacy, safety, and sustainability of dietary interventions require further investigation. Parents and clinicians need realistic expectations about the time course of improvements and the need for ongoing supplementation.

Practical Guidelines for Implementing Supplements for ADHD

Starting Point: Assessment

Before beginning any supplement regimen:

1. Consult healthcare professionals: Discuss plans with your child’s doctor or psychiatrist.
2. Test for deficiencies: Blood tests can identify vitamin D, zinc, iron, B12, and folate deficiencies.
3. Consider food sensitivities: Evaluate potential reactions to common allergens or additives.
4. Document baseline symptoms: Use standardised rating scales to track changes objectively.
5. Review current medications: Check for potential interactions with supplements.

Building a Supplement Protocol

Based on current evidence, a reasonable approach might include:

First-line considerations:

• Vitamin D (if deficient): The dose will depend on age.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 500-1,000mg combined EPA/DHA daily.
• Broad-spectrum micronutrient formula: Following manufacturer guidelines.

Second-line additions (if first-line shows insufficient benefit):

• Magnesium: 200-400mg daily (elemental).
• Zinc: 15-30mg daily (if deficient).
• Phosphatidylserine: 100-300mg daily.

Complementary approaches:

• Dietary modifications (removing artificial colours, trying elimination diets)
• Probiotics (particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains)
• Herbal supplements like saffron or ginkgo biloba (under professional guidance)

Monitoring and Adjustment

Implement supplements systematically:

1. Start one intervention at a time: Wait 4-6 weeks before adding another to identify what works.
2. Use rating scales consistently: Have parents and teachers complete standardised assessments monthly.
3. Watch for side effects: Monitor digestive symptoms, sleep changes, and behaviour.
4. Measure blood levels: Recheck vitamin D, omega-3, and other markers after 3-6 months.
5. Adjust based on response: Increase, decrease, or discontinue based on objective improvements.

When to Expect Results

Different supplements work on varying timescales:

• Immediate (days): Dietary changes removing problematic foods.
• Short-term (2-4 weeks): Some vitamins and minerals, particularly if severely deficient.
• Medium-term (6-12 weeks): Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, broad-spectrum micronutrients.
• Long-term (3-6 months): Full effects of dietary pattern changes.

The Role of Supplements Alongside Medication

Several studies examined supplements as adjuncts to standard medication. Some found benefits when combining:

• Omega-3 fatty acids with methylphenidate.
• Vitamin D and magnesium with methylphenidate.
• Saffron with methylphenidate.
• Ginkgo biloba with methylphenidate.

This suggests supplements for ADHD may work synergistically with medication, potentially allowing for lower medication doses or enhanced overall response. Never adjust medication without medical supervision, but discuss supplement additions with prescribing physicians.

Safety Considerations for Supplements for ADHD

Generally Recognised as Safe

Most supplements discussed show good safety profiles in clinical trials:

PUFA supplementation did not increase occurrence of side effects including diarrhoea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or nausea. Korean red ginseng produced no serious adverse reactions. Ningdong granule showed fewer side effects than methylphenidate.

Potential Concerns

Certain supplements require caution:

• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): Can accumulate to toxic levels.
• Iron: May cause constipation and, in excess, organ damage.
• Herbal supplements: May interact with medications unpredictably.
• High-dose omega-3s: Can increase bleeding risk in some individuals.

Always inform all healthcare providers about supplements your child takes, particularly before surgery or when starting new medications.

Future Directions in Supplements for ADHD Research

The field continues evolving rapidly. Promising areas for future investigation include:

Personalised Nutrition

Genetic testing may eventually identify which children will respond to specific nutritional interventions. Research already identifies potential predictors of micronutrient response, including genetic variants, baseline nutrient levels, and clinical characteristics.

Microbiome-Based Interventions

Understanding the gut-brain axis may lead to targeted probiotic formulations or prebiotics designed specifically for ADHD symptom management.

Combination Approaches

Research examining optimal combinations of dietary changes, specific supplements, and medications may reveal synergistic effects not apparent when studying interventions in isolation.

Longer-Term Studies

Most current research examines short-term outcomes. Studies following children for years rather than weeks will clarify whether early nutritional interventions can alter developmental trajectories.

Conclusion: An Integrative Approach to ADHD Management

Supplements for ADHD represent a valuable component of comprehensive treatment strategies rather than standalone solutions. The evidence suggests:

1. Dietary interventions can help: Some children show significant improvements with nutritional approaches, particularly those with underlying deficiencies or sensitivities
2. Combination approaches work best: Supplements may enhance medication effectiveness or allow for lower doses rather than replacing pharmaceutical treatments entirely
3. Individual response varies dramatically: What works remarkably well for one child may show no effect in another, emphasising the need for personalised approaches
4. Evidence quality remains limited: More rigorous, long-term studies will refine understanding of which supplements work for which children under what circumstances
5. Safety profiles generally favour supplements: Serious adverse effects remain rare, though this doesn’t eliminate the need for professional guidance

For families navigating ADHD treatment decisions, supplements offer a reasonable complementary approach, particularly when:

• Standard medications produce inadequate response or intolerable side effects
• Testing reveals specific nutritional deficiencies
• Families prefer trying nutritional approaches before or alongside medication
• Children show signs of food sensitivities or dietary imbalances

Work closely with healthcare providers who understand both conventional and nutritional approaches to ADHD. Document baseline symptoms systematically, introduce interventions methodically, and maintain realistic expectations about timeframes and magnitude of improvements.

The field of nutritional interventions for ADHD continues maturing. As research progresses, clinicians will better understand which supplements benefit which children, optimal dosing strategies, and how to integrate nutritional approaches with standard treatments. Until then, a thoughtful, evidence-based, individualised approach offers the best path forward for families seeking to optimise outcomes for children with ADHD.

References

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

1. Händel, M.N. et al., 2021. Efficacy and Safety of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041226
2. Rosi, E. et al., 2020. Use of Non-Pharmacological Supplementations in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Critical Review. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061573
3. Abhishek, F. et al., 2024. Dietary Interventions and Supplements for Managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Recommendations. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.69804

Omega-3 and PUFA Studies

4. Anand, P. & Sachdeva, A., 2016. Effect of Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids Administration on Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27790483/
5. Assareh, M. et al., 2017. Efficacy of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23160488/
6. Barragán, E., Breuer, D. & Döpfner, M., 2017. Efficacy and Safety of Omega-3/6 Fatty Acids, Methylphenidate, and a Combined Treatment in Children with ADHD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24464327/
7. Behdani, F. et al., 2013. Does omega-3 supplement enhance the therapeutic results of methylphenidate in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3872603/
8. Bos, D.J. et al., 2015. Reduced Symptoms of Inattention after Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Boys with and without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25790022/
9. Chang, J.P. et al., 2019. High-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) improves attention and vigilance in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and low endogenous EPA levels. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31745072/
10. Cornu, C. et al., 2018. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial of omega-3 supplementation in children with moderate ADHD symptoms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28993963/
11. Crippa, A. et al., 2019. Behavioral and cognitive effects of docosahexaenoic acid in drug-naïve children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30246216/
12. Gustafsson, P.A. et al., 2010. EPA supplementation improves teacher-rated behaviour and oppositional symptoms in children with ADHD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20491709/
13. Manor, I. et al., 2012. The effect of phosphatidylserine containing Omega3 fatty-acids on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial, followed by an open-label extension. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21807480/
14. Milte, C.M. et al., 2012 & 2015. Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, cognition, and behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22541055/
15. Widenhorn-Müller, K. et al., 2014. Effect of supplementation with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on behavior and cognition in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24958525/

Vitamin D Studies

16. Samadi, M. et al., 2022. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in school-aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1256408
17. Dehbokri, N. et al., 2019. Effect of vitamin D treatment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30456564/
18. Elshorbagy, H.H. et al., 2018. Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29457493/
19. Mohammadpour, N. et al., 2018. Effect of vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on ADHD symptoms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27924679/

Zinc Studies

20. Arnold, L.E. et al., 2011. Zinc for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Placebo-controlled double-blind pilot trial alone and combined with amphetamine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21309695/
21. Noorazar, S.G. et al., 2020. The efficacy of zinc augmentation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder under treatment with methylphenidate. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31841818/
22. Salehi, B. et al., 2016. Omega-3 and Zinc supplementation as complementary therapies in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26985432/

Magnesium and Combined Micronutrient Studies

23. Hemamy, M. et al., 2021. The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02631-1
24. Hemamy, M. et al., 2020. Effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on behavior problems in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7011463/
25. Borlase, N. et al., 2019. Resting-state networks and neurometabolites in children with ADHD after 10 weeks of treatment with micronutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30821654/
26. Rucklidge, J.J. et al., 2018. Vitamin-mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: A fully blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12817
27. Darling, K.A. et al., 2019. Mineral-Vitamin Treatment Associated with Remission in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Related Problems: 1-Year Naturalistic Outcomes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31343273/
28. Rucklidge, J.J. et al., 2019. Can we predict treatment response in children with ADHD to a vitamin-mineral supplement? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30217770/

Amino Acids and Peptides Studies

29. Abbasi, S.-H. et al., 2011. Acetyl-L-Carnitine as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21336630/
30. Ghajar, A. et al., 2018. L-Carnosine as Adjunctive Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpbs.108390
31. Hirayama, S. et al., 2013. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23495677/

Dietary Intervention Studies

32. Canal, L.A. et al., 2019. Gluten-Free diet for the treatment of ADHD; pilot study. https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.neurobiol.1902024
33. Khoshbakht, Y. et al., 2021. The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02527-x
34. Pelsser, L. et al., 2020. Retrospective outcome monitoring of ADHD and Nutrition (ROMAN): the effectiveness of the few-foods diet in general practice. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00096
35. Dölp, A. et al., 2020. Oligoantigenic diet improves children’s ADHD rating scale scores reliably in added video-rating. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00730

Herbal Supplements Studies

36. Katz, M. et al., 2010. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20228219/
37. Ko, H.J. et al., 2014. Effects of Korean red ginseng extract on behavior in children with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25369174/
38. Salehi, B. et al., 2010. Ginkgo biloba for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19815048/
39. Shakibaei, F. et al., 2015. Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25925875/
40. Khaksarian, M. et al., 2021. A comparison of methylphenidate (MPH) and combined methylphenidate with Crocus sativus (saffron) in the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijpbs.108390

Probiotic Studies

41. Pärtty, A. et al., 2015. A possible link between early probiotic intervention and the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders later in childhood. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25760553/
42. Wang, L.J. et al., 2022. Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum on clinical characteristics and gut microbiota in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12020227
43. Stevens, A.J. et al., 2019. Human gut microbiome changes during a 10 week randomised control trial for micronutrient supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-46146-3

Marine Oils and Other Studies

44. Kean, J.D. et al., 2017. Reduced inattention and hyperactivity and improved cognition after marine oil extract (PCSO-524®) supplementation in children and adolescents with clinical and subclinical symptoms of ADHD. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-016-4471-y
45. Kirkland, A.E. et al., 2020. Artificial food coloring affects EEG power and ADHD symptoms in college students with ADHD: a pilot study. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1730614