Do Supplements for ADHD For Kids Work?

It is estimated that about 5% of children in the United States have ADHD. And with an increasing number of parents turning to medication to alleviate their child’s symptoms, supplements are becoming a popular choice for families who want a more natural approach.

What are these Supplements?

Some supplements for adhd contain herbal extracts as well as vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6. Others may contain a combination of vitamins and minerals and are made from plant or animal extracts. Some have stimulant effects, while others act as sedatives or relaxants.

Stimulants

Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin are all examples of a group of stimulants that parents have used for their children. These drugs can be taken in doses that work on the brain to provide their desired effects. Some of these drugs have milder effects, and some are more potent. Most have few side effects.

Produced by the pharmaceutical company Shire, Adderall is one of the most popular stimulants prescribed for children with ADD or ADHD. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity in children. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This makes it easier for a person to focus and pay attention. Side effects of Adderall include stomachache, insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite.

natural adhd supplements

Some people use substances like caffeine to stimulate their brains. While caffeine is not an actual drug, some people use it as one. The stimulant has been shown to increase alertness in people who drink it as well as improve concentration levels and performance in certain types of tasks. Like many other stimulants, however, caffeine can have negative side effects including irritability and nervousness.

Melatonin is a hormone that affects the brain. It can improve sleep disorders and seasonal problems such as insomnia, as well as provide stress relief. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and may work similarly to melatonin when it comes to reducing stress and enhancing sleep.

Stimulants have been used for ADHD for some time, but a recent study showed that caffeine could worsen symptoms in children with the disorder.