{"id":9810,"date":"2021-07-17T12:53:13","date_gmt":"2021-07-17T10:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fundus.ayio-q.com\/uncategorized\/plant-extracts-vitamins-and-minerals-for-adhd\/"},"modified":"2021-11-15T15:37:59","modified_gmt":"2021-11-15T14:37:59","slug":"plant-extracts-vitamins-and-minerals-for-adhd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fundus.ayio-q.com\/en\/diseases\/plant-extracts-vitamins-and-minerals-for-adhd\/","title":{"rendered":"Plant extracts, vitamins and minerals for ADHD"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Plant extracts have a positive effect on ADHD<\/h3>\n\n

Little scientific research has been done with herbs or extracts from plants. In a 2006 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 61 ADHD children took either a capsule of pine bark extract <\/strong>or a placebo daily for one month. The subsequent evaluation showed that hyperactivity was significantly reduced in the drug group, while at the same time the attention and concentration of the test subjects increased. No positive effects were observed in the placebo group.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

However, the complaints returned after a short period of time when the participants stopped using the substances regularly after the study. Since also the orthodox medical treatment with Ritalin & Co represents a permanent therapy, this fact does not speak against the pine bark extract.<\/p>\n\n

In an open pilot study (without placebo control), a German research group investigated the influence of the famous medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba<\/strong> on children with ADHD. After three to five weeks, the 20 participants improved both their core ADHD symptoms and their quality of life.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

ADHD is often associated with an undersupply of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.<\/h3>\n\n

Several scientific research papers indicate that most adults and children with ADHD suffer from an undetected vitamin deficiency <\/strong>. The blood levels of vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B6, biotin and vitamin B12 in particular are reduced in those affected.3-6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

Since vitamin D is involved in the body’s own production of the neurotransmitters dopamine <\/em>and serotonin <\/em>, a deficit promotes the occurrence of ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil<\/strong> also play an important role in the production of serotonin. Comparisons of recent studies conclude that vitamin D<\/a> and omega-3 fatty acid<\/a> intake can improve symptoms and cognitive performance in children and adolescents with ADHD.7-9<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

What minerals have been researched to date in relation to ADHD?<\/h3>\n\n

In addition to vitamin D, those affected also lack the trace element iron. This is the conclusion reached by researchers who studied 630 children with ADHD in the emirate of Qatar. Using hair analysis, Russian scientists determined the mineral status of children with behavioral problems. They discovered that the study participants were significantly deficient in magnesium, cobalt, vanadium, zinc, and manganese.10,11<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

What are the functions of these minerals in the body? As early as 2006, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt recognized the central role of the trace element zinc in the brain: Zinc ions perform essential functions in the regulation of nerve impulses at the synapses.<\/p>\n\n

The term synapses is used to describe connection points between nerve cells (neurons). While an excitatory synapse transmits received information, inhibitory synapses restrict or alter the flow of information. Zinc plays a crucial role in helping our body understand and properly process the brain’s nerve impulses.12<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

The brain needs adequate amounts of iron to function optimally. An undersupply can lead to tiredness, lack of concentration and forgetfulness. Like iron, cobalt belongs to the heavy metals. As a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and several of the body’s own enzymes, cobalt performs important functions in the nervous system. Manganese is also an essential part of various enzymes. In the brain, the trace element regulates the breakdown of the messenger substance glutamate.<\/p>\n\n

Magnesium participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in our organism. Since the mineral inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses, it reduces the feeling and subjective sensation of stress. In addition, magnesium has a positive effect on memory, concentration and learning ability.<\/p>\n\n

About ten percent of the total amount of the trace element vanadium is found in the human brain. Its exact function could not be clarified until today. However, scientific studies suggest that vanadium participates in the control of various metabolic processes.13<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

Have any studies been done with these minerals? Yes, there are several research groups that have looked into the issue. In 2019, Egyptian scientists proved that taking iron and zinc helped alleviate symptoms of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.14<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

A research paper from New Zealand had previously come to a similar conclusion. According to this study, supplementation with minerals and vitamins can improve inattention, emotional self-control, and aggressive behavior in children with ADHD.15<\/sup><\/p>\n\n

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Related articles: ADHD \/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder<\/h3>\n\n