Medications are the top treatment options that are recommended by doctors for children and adults with ADHD. However, stimulants that are prescribed for people with ADHD come with a host of side effects some of which can be severe. Not many parents are willing for their children to take these. Supplements are one of the natural treatments for ADHD.

While supplements should not be seen as replacements for medications, they do have lesser side-effects and the chances of severe side-effects are rare. You should remember that supplements are not a treatment plan by themselves. They are a part of a plan that includes proper sleep, exercise, routine, and diet. Here are some common supplements that help people with ADHD.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the supplements for natural treatments for ADHD. Many children have vitamin D deficiency and studies show that children with a relatively low level or really low levels of vitamin D have ADHD symptoms. Hence, giving vitamin D supplements to children with a deficiency in that vitamin can ensure that ADHD symptoms improve. You can also try giving vitamin D rich food in conjunction with supplements if necessary.

Zinc
People with ADHD can benefit from taking zinc supplements. A lower zinc level in the body can lead to various disorders. Zinc supplements have shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in adults and children. Zinc might lower the chances of needing medication for ADHD as well. Doctors recommend up to 25mg of zinc for children daily but it is best if you speak to your child’s pediatrician first.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the supplements that are included in the natural treatments for ADHD. These supplements have shown to help improve focus, control impulses, and to be beneficial in the cases of hyperactivity. People who take these supplements are able to behave properly. You can take them in the form of fish oil or algae oil as these can be quite helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.

Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the useful supplements that can be given to children and adults with ADHD symptoms. People who suffer from hyperactivity which is a major ADHD symptom will find relief after taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium supplements can help in the case of agitation as well which many children suffer from when they have ADHD. A magnesium supplement can be used after the effects of ADHD medication wear off.

Multivitamins and Multi-minerals
Children who have ADHD should have all the vitamins and minerals they need. This is why one of the natural treatments for ADHD is multivitamins and multi-minerals supplements. While studies have been limited so far, multivitamins and multi-minerals can help improve various types of ADHD symptoms in children and adults. For example, the Daily Essential Nutrients helps improve attention and aggression.

Iron
Iron is important because it contributes to optimal brain function. If you or your child is deficient in iron then it is best to know the levels of iron in your body. Testing should include measuring the ferritin levels, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit levels. If the ferritin level is below 30 then an iron supplement might be necessary and can help manage ADHD symptoms. Doctors recommend chelated iron supplements.