Childhood ADHD - On The Rise

Children's ADHD

ADHD diagnoses are rising rapidly, affecting up to 10% of children in Australia each year. The diagnosis remains controversial, with ongoing debates about whether ADHD is a legitimate condition or if it reflects a disconnect between modern lifestyles and our evolutionary design. ADHD is diagnosed based on symptoms and behaviors such as impulsivity, difficulty concentrating, task completion issues, restlessness, and frustration, without definitive tests like blood work or X-rays. Instead, diagnoses rely on subjective assessments from parents and teachers, noting behavior across different settings.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Environmental Toxins Mimicking ADHD Symptoms

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

• Iron Deficiency: Essential for concentration, mood, and mental processing, iron deficiency can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, hyperactivity, and poor sleep. Symptoms include paleness, fatigue, and reduced enjoyment of physical activity. Iron is found in meat and green leafy vegetables, with better absorption when combined with vitamin C-rich foods like tomatoes and oranges.

• Zinc Deficiency: Affects mental processing, causing impulsivity and irritability. Physical signs include white spots on nails, slow wound healing, frequent infections, stretch marks, and acne. Zinc is crucial during growth spurts for cell building.

• Omega-3 Deficiency: Common in standard Australian diets, low omega-3 levels can impact mood and behavior, mimicking ADHD symptoms. Indicators include dry, bumpy skin on the upper arms. Omega-3 supplements (1000mg of combined EPA and DHA daily) are often trialed before considering stimulant medications. Omega-3 sources include fish, algae, and flax seeds, while excessive omega-6 and omega-9 intake can lead to less functional cell membranes.

• Magnesium Deficiency: Common due to inadequate intake of magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Symptoms include irritability, difficulty sitting still, muscle cramps, tics, and anxiety, all of which can be mistaken for ADHD. Magnesium also supports restful sleep, which is critical for cognitive function. Magnesium supplements can be used to alleviate symptoms.

2. Environmental Toxins Impact Children's Health & Wellbeing

• Lead Exposure: Although lead was removed from petrol and paint decades ago, exposure can still occur from old paint or contaminated soil. Lead disrupts brain function by displacing iron, potentially leading to ADHD-like symptoms. A blood test can determine current exposure levels.

• Mercury Exposure: Contaminates many types of fish, particularly large species like tuna, shark, and swordfish. High mercury levels can cause ADHD-like behaviors. Switching to algae-based omega-3 supplements or molecularly distilled fish oil can reduce mercury exposure while still providing necessary omega-3s.

• Mould Exposure: Mould in damp, poorly ventilated homes can cause inflammation and behavioral issues. To address mould concerns, consult a building biologist for assessment. Immediate measures include installing air purifiers in the child’s bedroom to reduce mould spores in the air.

By addressing these nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins, it is possible to manage or alleviate symptoms that may mimic ADHD, improving overall health and well-being.

Common Nutritional Deficiencies Associated with Childhood ADHD

To assess iron levels, a blood test measuring ferritin should show levels above 40. If your child's ferritin is low, increase their intake of iron-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, and consider an iron supplement. Floravital is a safe and pleasant-tasting liquid iron supplement, while iron bisglycinate is another good option due to its easy absorption and minimal gastrointestinal side effects. The recommended dosage for children with iron deficiency is 1-3 mg per kg of body weight daily for 8 weeks. After this period, take a 2-day break and recheck the blood levels. Since iron overdose can be dangerous, store supplements securely.

For zinc, plasma levels should be above 14. If zinc levels are low, increase zinc-rich foods, although these are scarce due to low soil zinc content. Oysters are a notable source of zinc but may pose contamination risks. Zinc supplements are available in various forms, including drops, tablets, capsules, and transdermal creams. A daily dose of 5-10 mg is generally safe for several months, but consult a health practitioner for higher or long-term doses.

If your child has dry, bumpy skin on their arms, consider an omega-3 supplement such as algae oil, providing a total of 1000 mg of EPA and DHA (typically 1 teaspoon or 2 capsules, depending on the brand).

For concerns about lead or mercury, a blood test can determine levels. If elevated, locate and eliminate the source of exposure. Lead testing kits are available at hardware stores for checking soil, paint, and pottery. Avoid consuming large fish like tuna, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark,