Vitamins & Minerals

As with everyone else in society, it is important for those with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder to maintain a good balanced diet.  It has however been proven that those with ADHD and other Autistic Spectrum Conditions suffer from specific conditions which themselves can cause vitamin or mineral deficiencies.  We will share the main issues highlighted which affect a significant proportion of those with these conditions, however wish to notify parents that children with ADHD can become deficient in any vitamin and mineral and so parents should ensure that none are specifically relevant to their child.

Eating at regular times, and holding a steady routine is also very important.  This is true with regard to health and weight like the whole of society, however ADHD and other Autistic Spectrum Conditions prefer or require routine.  Check out about this and other aspects in our section that explains what ADHD is and how it affects individuals.  This said often the most significant issue is that prolonged gaps between eating does cause issues unrelated to routines and/or changes in environment.  This is currently put down to the body requiring vitamins and minerals which may be in short supply around the body, and accompanies exhaustion.  After all it is easy to understand why when you consider how much activity the ADHD individual is involved in.

Currently the condition Pyroluria Syndrome is known to affect 30-50% of those diagnosed with ADHD.  This causes deficiencies in Zinc and Vitamin B6.  This said, a significant number of those with ADHD who do not have who do not have Pyroluria Syndrome can still be found deficient in Zinc and/or Vitamin B6.  As such we would recommend that everyone diagnosed with ADHD should have a test for Pyroluria Syndrome and for deficiencies in the full range of vitamins and minerals (especially Zinc and B6).  These tests can be obtained from your GP, or privately.  If your GP is unwilling to assist and you would like to obtain such tests privately please let us know at steve@adhdsupport.org.uk and we can arrange these for you, often at significant discount (e.g. up to 75% off) from advertised prices.  This site provides details of these conditions and their symptoms.

Treatment for Pyroluria Syndrome and/or vitamin/mineral deficiencies are simple and can be provided through the NHS,  treated with changes to diet, and/or via regular supplements.