Supplements for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Are Any Helpful?

Answer:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been estimated to affect approximately 6% to 16% of children in the U.S., although estimates vary by state. Behavior therapy and stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate and amphetamine) are first-line treatments for this condition, and non-stimulant medications (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine) may also be recommended for some patients (Eiland, JPPT 2024).

Some people with ADHD or caregivers of children with this condition also explore dietary supplements as alternative options or add-on interventions for this condition. A survey conducted by ADDitude in 2023 of more than 11,000 adults with ADHD or caregivers of children with ADHD found that nearly half had used vitamins, minerals or supplements for ADHD.

Continue reading to learn which supplements have shown possible benefit for ADHD in clinical research and which don't seem to help or may interfere with conventional ADHD medication. Use the links to get details.

Supplements That Might Help

Fish Oil

Studies using fish oil to treat ADHD have yielded conflicting results. Some have suggested that fish oil supplements may improve symptoms of inattention but not other symptoms such as impulsivity. The benefit, if any, seems to be limited to those who are not getting sufficient omega-3s, particularly EPA, from their diet (Chang, Translational Psych 2019; Banaschewski, Nutr Health 2018; Bos, Neuropsychopharm 2015).

Flaxseed Oil

There is preliminary evidence that flaxseed oil along with vitamin C might reduce hyperactivity and other symptoms of ADHD in children compared to baseline (Joshi, Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2006). However, this study did not include a control group, which is needed to prove a benefit, so more research is needed to confirm.

Ginseng

Preliminary studies funded or conducted by the manufacturers of products used in the studies has suggested that ginseng may improve symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, anxiety and social problems but not inattention in children and teens (Ko, J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2014; Lyon, J Psychiatry Neurosci 2001). However, there is not enough information to know which form (Korean red ginseng vs American ginseng) or dose has greatest benefit, if any. Also, studies have been short-term, so it is unclear if ginseng has long-term benefit. More research is needed to confirm.

Iron

A small study of iron in children with ADHD and iron deficiency showed moderate improvement in symptom severity based on a physician rating scale compared to placebo, but there was not significant improvement in symptoms based on parent or teacher rating scales (Konofal, Pediatr Neurol 2008).

L-Theanine

One clinical study showed that taking L-theanine improved sleep quality in boys with ADHD, some of whom were also taking stimulant medication such as methylphenidate (Ritalin). However, it did not reduce the amount of time it took to fall asleep (Lyon, Altern Med Rev 2011), and there does not appear to be any evidence that L-theanine improves symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, attention, or cognitive function.

Magnesium

Some studies have linked ADHD with lower blood levels of magnesium, although conflicting results exist (Smykiewicz, J Educ Health Sport 2024). A small, preliminary study among adults with ADHD showed that taking magnesium threonate may improve symptoms of ADHD compared to baseline (Surman, J Diet Suppl 2021). However, the lack of a placebo control group limits the reliability of these findings.

Melatonin

Taking melatonin may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase sleep duration in children with ADHD. However, it may not improve behavior and quality of life (McDonagh, J Child Neurol 2019).

Probiotics

A preliminary, 13-year study in Finland found that the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders including ADHD was lower for children whose mothers took a Lactobacillus probiotic during the last month of pregnancy and for 6 months after delivery compared to children of mothers that received placebo (Partty, Ped Res 2015). However, the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders was higher in the placebo group than would be expected, and the reason for this was not clear. More research is needed to confirm.

Pycnogenol

Preliminary research suggests that taking Pycnogenol, a form of French maritime pine bark extract, might improve inattention in children with ADHD based on teacher assessment but not parent assessment. The effects of Pycnogenol on hyperactivity appear to be inconsistent (Trebaticka, Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006).

Supplements That Do Not Seem to Help

Bacopa

Despite possible modest benefit on some measures of cognitive function in children with ADHD, bacopa does not appear to significantly improve most symptoms including hyperactivity, inattention, learning problems, executive function, peer relations, aggression, conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder or impaired relationships (Kean, Phytother Res 2022).

DMAE

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a compound naturally found in the brain that plays a role in brain signaling. It was an active ingredient in the prescription medication Deaner, which was used to treat learning and behavior problems in kids. However, it was withdrawn from the market in the 1980s due to lack of evidence of effectiveness. DMAE is still included in supplements and it has been marketed in products such as BrainAlert and Calm Kids as a nutrient for ADHD, but evidence of benefit from clinical studies appears to be small, if any, and most studies have been flawed. DMAE is considered unlikely to yield benefits equivalent to stimulant medications (Hurt, Curr Psychiatry Rep 2011), and the manufacturers of both BrainAlert and Calm Kids have received warnings from the FDA for making drug claims.

L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine supplementation has been promoted for improving symptoms of ADHD, but clinical evidence does not seem to support this use (Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; Bergwerff, PLoS One 2016; Hinz, Neuropsychiartr Dis Treat 2011).

St. John's Wort

Although a small study among just three male teens with ADHD showed that taking St. John's wort improved hyperactivity, inattention and immaturity (Niederhofer, Nat Prod Res 2010), a clinical study among 54 children and teens with ADHD showed that taking St. John's wort was not beneficial compared to placebo (Weber, JAMA 2008). Taking St. John's wort with methylphenidate (Ritalin), a common medication for ADHD, may reduce the effectiveness of methylphenidate (Niederhofer, Med Hypotheses 2007).

Taurine

Taurine is also sometimes combined in an "amino acid cocktail" with other amino acids for treatment of ADHD, but there is no evidence as yet that it works for this purpose (EBSCO Knowledge Advantage, 2014).