Zinc From Dr. Weil

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Zinc supplements may enhance treatment of children being treated for

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to one

small study. Forty-four children took part in the study, which was

conducted by researchers in Iran. All were treated with

methylphenidate (the active ingredient in the stimulant drug Ritalin

used to treat ADHD). Half also took 55 mg of zinc sulfate while the

other half took a placebo. After six weeks of treatment, the

researchers found greater improvement among the kids who took the

zinc. However, these youngsters were more likely to report nausea

during the study and a metallic taste from the medication than the

ones who got the placebo. The researchers said that zinc is needed

for production and modulation of melatonin, which regulates

functioning of the neurotransmitter dopamine, believed to play an

important role in ADHD. The findings support those of a previous

study on the effects of taking zinc supplements in connection with

ADHD treatment. The study results were published in the April 2004

issue of the journal BMC Psychiatry.