Supplements (long)

[Guest guest]

This was actually about ADHD but the info about different (calming) supps is

really interesting. I never knew Ritalin increased serotonin - this is why Harry

did so poorly on it several years ago before dx. Hope it helps someone.

Prue

The Serotonin Connection to ADHD

In 1999, researchers at the Medical Institute discovered that

Ritalin and other stimulants exert their paradoxical calming effects by boosting

serotonin levels in the brain. Elevating serotonin appears to restore the

delicate balance between dopamine and serotonin and calms hyperactivity. (16)

Previously it was thought that the calming action of Ritalin worked through the

neurotransmitter dopamine. Specifically, researchers believed that Ritalin and

other stimulants interacted with the dopamine transporter protein (DAT). After

a nerve impulse moved from one neuron to another, DAT removed residual dopamine

from the synaptic cleft, and repackaged it for future use. However, Caron's

study found that if DAT was removed then the calming effect of Ritalin still

occurred.

From these results it was then suspected that dopamine wasn't the only key to

understanding ADHD. Their studies suggested that rather than acting directly on

dopamine, the stimulants create a calming effect by increasing serotonin levels.

The study concluded that the proper balance between dopamine and serotonin was

the key, and that hyperactivity may develop when the relationship between

dopamine and serotonin is out of balance. (17)

Another key amino acid is tyrosine which assists the body cope physiologically

with stress by building the body's store of adrenaline. Chronic stress

increases the need for tyrosine and often results in an extreme reduction of

brain tyrosine levels.

Tyrosine with Vitamin B6 , zinc and magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and

elevate mood by enhancing the synthesis of noradrenalin in the brain.

Food Allergies, Gut Dysfunction and Gastrointestinal Parasites

Food sensitivities and food allergy provoke hyperactivity through partially

digested food (exorphins) entering the blood stream and scrambling the neuronal

communicative system. In eight out of nine studies 86% of hyperactive

children had elevated eosinophils indicative of allergy or parasitic infection.

(18) Data from two double blind studies indicated that 73-76% of ADHD children

responded favourably to food elimination diets. Maintenance on low-antigen

diets raised the success rate to 82%. (19)

One study found significant quantities of bacterial pathogens, yeast organisms

and protozoan parasites were in a high proportion of children with ADHD. These

findings are quite suggestive that these children suffer from impairment of gut

mucosal immunity. (20)

Studies have shown that Candida (species) leads to an increase in tartaric acid

in urine and bowel samples. Tartaric acid competes or inhibits the activity of

malic acid in the Krebs cycle, thus reducing energy production.

It was also found Candida (species) leads to an increase in arabinose in urine

and bowel samples. Arabinose binds with lysine and arginine residue. This

forms a penosamide cross linking between lysine, arabinose and arginine. This

cross linking impairs catalytic sites for lipoic acid, vitamin B6 and biotin as

well as initiating an autoimmune response. Cross linking of proteins results in

poor nutrient flow through cell membranes resulting in loss of bowel function.

Clostridia (spore formers) cause an increase in dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid

(DPPA). DPPA is a false neurotransmitter that reacts with dopamine and

nor-adrenaline receptors. This alters the levels of dopamine and nor-adrenaline

and may give rise to schizophrenia and behavioural problems.

Thus, treatment of intestinal parasites, gut dysfunction and food allergies need

to be considered in the treatment of ADHD.

Nutrient Deficiencies and Imbalances

Assessment of ADHD children often reveals nutrient deficiencies or imbalances

which, when corrected, result in considerable behavioural and academic

improvement. In a series of studies that spanned 18 years, Schoenthaler found

that a vitamin-mineral supplement produced significantly les antisocial

behaviour than did placebos. Cognitive performance was also significantly

improved. (22)

Zinc

Zinc is of primary importance in ADHD, as it is an important co-factor in

metabolism, relevant to neurotransmitters, fatty acids, prostaglandins and

indirectly affects dopamine metabolism. (23)

Several studies conducted in different countries have found zinc to be low in

ADHD sufferers. (23) Serum zinc can be markedly below normal, and urinary zinc

clearance can be lower, both findings suggestive of poor zinc intake and/or

absorption.

Zinc deficiency can result in weakened immune system responses and diminished

digestive system function. Children who are zinc deficient are often picky

eaters who will only eat a few foods - this of course worsens the zinc

deficiency.

Studies have also shown that children with ADHD who are unresponsive to

stimulant drugs are more likely to be zinc deficient than children who respond

favourably to these medications. (24)

In addition zinc is an important component of the enzyme, delta 6 desaturase,

which converts omega 3 fatty acids to DHA (17). This could explain why children

with low levels of zinc also have low levels of essential fatty acids in the

blood.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Studies have shown that Pyridoxine can help ameliorate hyperactivity. (25)

Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for a majority of the metabolic pathways of

amino acids, including decarboxylation pathways for dopamine, adrenaline and

serotonin.

reported that B vitamins improved the behaviour of some children with

ADHD in a double blind cross over comparison with methylphenidate. (25) It was

also observed that high dose B6 benefited the symptoms while boosting serotonin

levels into the normal range.

Magnesium

Another trace mineral that is highly important in ADHD is magnesium. This

mineral has a multitude of uses within the body including the activation of

several hundred different enzymes. Magnesium, like zinc is a necessary cofactor

required by the enzyme delta 6 desaturase.

Magnesium is also a calming mineral that relaxes nerves and muscles and

diminishes the effects of stress. (27) Recurrent infections, food or environment

allergies and gastrointestinal parasites can all result in excessive magnesium

loss. (27)

Low magnesium may be associated with hyperactivity due to hyperirritability of

brain neurons. Studies have shown that supplementation with magnesium can

improve behaviour and cognitive performance in children with ADHD. (28) Adults

with ADHD are also likely to require magnesium supplementation. Avoiding

stimulants like caffeine, nicotine or amphetamines, as well as learning to

manage stress and addressing physical problems such as chronic infection,

allergies and gut dysfunction and/or parasitic infestation are all important

factors which will help to decrease further magnesium loss.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)

Several studies have indicated that some physical symptoms reported in ADHD are

similar to symptoms observed in essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency. One

reliable symptom of EFA deficiency is excessive thirst (polydypsia) without

matching polyuria. (29)

An English ADHD support group reported that children with hyperactivity were

significantly more thirsty than children who were not hyperactive.

measured plasma fatty acids in 100 children and found the hyperactive

children had significantly lower concentrations of DHA, arachidonic acid and

DGLA .

Phosphatidyl Serine

Phosphatidyl serine is clinically proven to benefit a wide range of brain

functions.(30) This phospholipid occurs in the brain at far higher

concentrations than it does in other organs. It is a key constituent of nerve

cell synaptic membranes, which are deeply involved in the production of

neurotransmitters.

Ingested as a supplement phosphatidyl serine energises the human brain,

facilitating synaptic connectivity and specifically boosting dopamine

transmitter functions, ie. its production, release, and post synaptic receptor

actions.

In a study of ADHD children aged between 4 and 19 years, dietary supplementation

with phosphatidyl serine benefited greater than 90% of the cases.(32) At

intakes of 100-300 mg/day of phosphatidyl serine, attention and learning were

most consistently improved.

Primary Nutritional Recommendations

(Dosage recommendations are for adults, children's dosage should be calculated

according to weight)

Zymin 2 x 1 ml/day (Zinc,

B6, Mg)

DHA/EPA 2-4 caps/day (EFA's)

Nutri 21 1-2 caps/day (Adult) (Multi

vitamin/mineral with tyrosine)

Or

Childrens Formula 3 tspn/day (Multi

vitamin/mineral for children)

Secondary Nutritional Recommendations

Phosphatidyl Serine 1-3 caps/day (Phosphatidyl

Serine)

SFM 1-2 tabs/day on empty stomach (Tyrosine plus

cofactors)

GIT 1/Gut Repair 1 dstspn per day (To improve

gut dysfunction)

For further secondary nutritional supplement suggestions and references - see

the ADHD section in the 6th edition of the Physicians Handbook of Clinical

Nutrition.