Are ADHD vitamins more useful than stimulant medications in the treatment of ADHD? This question is quite often posted in forums and other Web 2.0 sites. ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders globally, and people who has it displays a high level of inattention, impulsivity or hyperactivity, or both, in such a scope that daily endeavours is compromised. The exact causes of ADHD is still very much unknown, but many scientists believe it to be heredity in nature. Other possible causes listed include drug use during pregnancy, premature birth, chorioamnionitis during labour and small head size at birth.

In recent years, many studies have been conducted on the potential benefits of using ordinary supplements for the treatment of ADHD. Common nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals have been scrutinised in recent years to test their abilities to enhance attentiveness and lower hyperactivity levels. The results thus far are mixed, but some doctors have gone ahead and prescribed ADHD vitamins to treat their ADHD patients.

Top on the list of ADHD vitamins is the omega-3 essential fatty acid which can be found in certain plants, marine fish and nuts. Omega-3 seems able to bring about better mental focus. Restoration of proper fatty acid balance is considered important as ADHD children often face problems in converting essential fatty acids. In fact, a study published in Nutritional Neuroscience in 2003 showed that omega-3 fatty acids tended to break down more readily in the bodies of people with ADHD. Another study, published a year later in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, suggested that children with ADHD were more likely to have low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids than normal children.

Some people have reported positive results after using supplements such as calcium, vitamin B complex and magnesium to treat their ADHD problems, The rationale is that vitamin B complex can work wonders in the context of brain function while magnesium and calsium can exude a calming effect on the body.

Another type of ADHD vitamins being prescribed is organic spirulina. Spirulina, which is a microscopic blue-green algae, is full of nutrients (such as B vitamins, proteins, enzymes) and very easily digested. It also conatins gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties.

The following food items should be avoided if your child has ADHD. They are: apple cider vinegar,butter, bacon, candy, ham, chocolate, luncheon meat, milk, margarine, salami, hot dogs, soy sauce, mustard, and junk food. People with ADHD are also advised not to take food which have artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives and monosodium glutamate.

Indulging in outdoor physical activities are also deemed positive for the treatment of ADHD, besides taking ADHD vitamins. Such activities help to develop social skill and improve motor incoordination.