What nutrients do children with ADHD lack?
In recent years, the incidence of ADHD in children has gradually increased, causing widespread concern among parents and society. In addition to genetic and environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies are also considered to be one of the important causes of ADHD. This article combines the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to sort out the key nutrients related to ADHD and analyze their mechanisms of action to help parents scientifically adjust their children's dietary structure.
1. The relationship between ADHD and nutritional deficiencies

Research shows that ADHD in children is closely related to deficiencies of certain nutrients. These nutrients play important roles in brain development, nerve conduction, and mood regulation. Here are common ADHD-related nutrients and their functions:
| Nutrients | Main functions | Symptoms that deficiency may cause |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Promote brain development and improve cognitive function | Inattention and memory loss |
| zinc | Regulate neurotransmitters and enhance immunity | mood swings, irritability |
| magnesium | Relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality | Hyperactivity and impulsive behavior |
| Vitamin B6 | Participate in neurotransmitter synthesis | Emotional instability and fatigue easily |
| iron | Promote hemoglobin production and improve oxygen supply to the brain | Distraction and decreased learning ability |
2. How to supplement key nutrients through diet
For children with ADHD, parents can help their children supplement missing nutrients by adjusting their diet. Here are some food recommendations rich in key nutrients:
| Nutrients | Recommended food | Recommended daily intake |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Deep-sea fish (salmon, tuna), flax seeds, walnuts | Fish 2-3 times a week, moderate amounts of nuts |
| zinc | Beef, oysters, pumpkin seeds | 5-10mg (adjusted according to age) |
| magnesium | Leafy green vegetables, dark chocolate, bananas | 80-130mg (adjusted according to age) |
| Vitamin B6 | Chicken, potatoes, bananas | 0.5-1.3mg (adjusted according to age) |
| iron | Red meat, spinach, beans | 7-10mg (adjusted according to age) |
3. Precautions for nutritional supplements
1.A balanced diet is a priority: Try to supplement nutrients through natural food instead of relying on supplements. Excessive supplementation of certain nutrients (such as zinc, iron) may have side effects.
2.avoid processed foods: Foods high in sugar and additives may aggravate ADHD symptoms, so intake should be reduced.
3.Individualized adjustment: Each child has different nutritional needs. It is recommended to develop a personalized plan under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
4. Latest research trends
According to hot topics in the past 10 days, the scientific research community has made new discoveries about the relationship between ADHD and nutrition:
1.Gut flora and ADHD: Latest research shows that an imbalance of intestinal flora may affect brain function, and probiotic supplementation may improve ADHD symptoms.
2.The role of vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D may be related to ADHD, and appropriate exposure to the sun or vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial.
3.Effect of dietary intervention: Some clinical trials have shown that a Mediterranean diet (rich in olive oil, fish, and whole grains) has a positive effect on improving ADHD.
Conclusion
ADHD in children is a complex health problem. Although nutritional supplements cannot completely replace medical treatment, scientific dietary adjustments can significantly improve symptoms. Parents should pay attention to their children's daily diet to ensure the intake of key nutrients, and combine it with professional medical advice to help their children grow up healthily.
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