What’s Behind the Behavior Problems?

Ultimately, it is best to focus on supporting a child’s brain so that they can reach their maximum potential. The best place to start is to look at the possible triggers to misbehavior and attention troubles. One of the foundational concepts that must be addressed when looking at the underlying cause of these issues is nutrition. Besides nutrient insufficiencies, other factors that may contribute to the inability to focus are adrenal fatigue or thyroid dysfunction.²³ Overgrowth of unfriendly organisms in the intestinal system, like candida, is another possible trigger.² Numerous studies have also confirmed a strong relationship between childhood learning disabilities and body stores of heavy metals, particularly lead.³ Other environmental stresses or pollutants can also impact learning and behavior.⁴

On the Road to Full Brain Potential

Healing must begin with a nourishing diet; however, when deficiencies and imbalances are present, therapeutic doses of nutrients are instrumental. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to take in all the nutrients one needs through foods with the typical American diet. This is where supplementation comes in. The first supplement that should be considered is a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral. This provides a wide range of nutrients that help protect the brain from free radical damage and inflammation and supports the body’s production of neurotransmitters–vital brain messengers like serotonin that are responsible for learning and behavior. One study found that when school-age children (6 to 12) with behavioral problems supplemented with a multi-vitamin, they had much better control over antisocial behaviors, such as swearing, vandalism, assault, and refusal to work.⁵ Another study published in the Alterative Medicine Review found a supplement program (a mixture of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and probiotics) to be as effective as Ritalin for a group of children with ADHD.⁶

In addition to a multiple vitamin and mineral, other nutrients can be used to maximize a child’s brain potential. There are many available products and formulas geared toward children that are tasty and easy to take. Below is a detailed description of the nutrients backed by scientific research for supporting focus, attention, positive behavior, and brain function in children.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

Essential fatty acids (EFAs), namely EPA and DHA, are one of the most important nutrient groups when it comes to supporting the brain.^{7 8 9} These special fats are found primarily in fish oil and fish liver—foods children tend to not consume in abundance. A deficiency in EFAs is being identified as a factor in behavior and attention problems.^{10 12 13} EFAs influence behavior by supporting intestinal permeability and the proper development of brain tissue.¹⁴ In a 12-week, double-blind study, children with ADHD were given either a placebo or a fatty acid supplement providing daily: 186 mg of EPA, 480 mg of DHA, 96 mg of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), 864 mg of linoleic acid, and 42 mg of arachidonic acid. Compared with the placebo, the fatty acid supplement produced significant improvements in both cognitive function and behavioral problems with no adverse effects.¹⁵ Up to one tablespoon of a liquid per day can be taken,¹⁶ depending on weight and individuality. Be sure to supplement at least 100 mg/day of DHA. ¹⁶

Magnesium

Magnesium is another common deficiency in children with behavior and attention problems.¹⁷ One study found that 95% of 116 kids with ADHD were deficient in this calming mineral.²⁷ In another trial, children with ADHD and low magnesium status were given 200 mg/per day for six months. Those taking the mineral had a significant decrease in hyperactive behavior compared to those who did not receive the nutrient.¹⁸

Iron

Iron helps regulate the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter synthesized by the adrenal glands and intricately involved in behavior and concentration. Researchers evaluated 14 ADHD boys between the ages of seven and 11 for the effect of short-term iron administration on behavior. Each boy received 5 mg/kg body weight of iron daily for 30 days. In the end, the parents believed the children’s behavior improved.¹⁹ Iron, the most absorbable “heme” form, is found abundantly in meat, poultry, and fish.

Zinc

Zinc is an important cofactor for producing the brain supportive neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, and other brain substances involved in learning, focus, and attention. A zinc deficiency has also been linked to attention problems.²⁰ One study showed that ADHD children had less than half the levels of zinc than the non-ADHD control group.²¹ Copper needs to be taken with zinc to prevent imbalance.³ Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, meats, eggs, and seafood.

Vitamin C and proanthocyanidins

Vitamin C and proanthocyanidins (found in grape seed extract) are essential for several brain functions. Vitamin C is needed to manufacture neurotransmitters, and to protect the brain from free radical damage.²²  Proanthocyanidins enhance the effects of vitamin C and modify enzymatic activities particular to the brain.²² Proanthocyanidins also encourage dopamine activity in the brain, which can help with focus and concentration.²³ A recent study compared the effectiveness of Pycnogenol^®, a patented extract of French maritime bark that contains a unique combination of proanthocyanidins, to the stimulant drug methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), which is often prescribed for ADHD.²⁴ Children between 6 and 12 years old, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, taking 20-40 milligrams (dose adjusted by weight) of Pycnogenol daily for 10 weeks saw improvements in overall ADHD rating scale, decreases in hyperactivity/impulsivity, and a decrease in inattention. The researchers noted that Pycnogenol acted slower than MPH, but at 10 weeks it effect was comparable to that of MPH, but with considerably fewer side effects.  

B vitamins

B vitamins are involved in assisting brain enzymes in using carbohydrates for energy, helping synthesize neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, and forming the myelin shields between brain neurons. B1 (thiamin) deficiency is known to contribute to nervousness and irritability. Deficient levels of vitamin B6, which causes low serotonin levels, have also been detected in children with attention problems.²⁵

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a fat-soluble phospholipid and a key component of all cell membranes, but is found in particularly high concentrations in the brain. This nutrient is extracted from lecithin, and is found in foods such as soy and eggs. PS is gaining recognition as a focus and attention-supporting nutrient due to its role in benefiting a wide range of brain functions.²⁶ It supports neurotransmitter production (namely dopamine) and maintains nerve connections. In a study where a group of 27 ADHD children took 200 to 300 mg of PS daily for four months, researchers found that 25 children exhibited improvement in learning capacity and behavior with no adverse affects.^{27 28 29}

Additional Brain Boosters to Consider

• Probiotics, the friendly bacteria naturally found in the intestinal tract, may need to be enhanced in children with attention issues. Brain function can be influenced by dysbiosis, which occurs when there is an overgrowth of unfriendly organisms in the intestinal system and an absence of the beneficial. This imbalance is encouraged by the use of antibiotics, which often destroys the good bacteria along with the bad. The average child undergoes multiple courses of antibiotic treatment in the first five years of life, typically without replacement of probiotics. The resulting overgrowth of yeast and other pathogenic flora has been linked to alterations of immune function, food sensitivities, and behavior. In addition to supplementation, another good way to support the friendly bacteria is to consume fermented foods like plain yogurt, kefir, miso, and raw sauerkraut.
• Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are essential for the production of neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine), which are crucial for maintaining healthy brain function. Children with attention problems are often deficient in L-glutamine, a precursor for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms the mind and may play a role in hyperactivity.^{30 31} GABA supplementation itself has also been shown to be helpful.⁴ Tyrosine supplementation has been shown to increase dopamine concentration dramatically and produce impressive anti-stress³² and pro-concentration results.^33 34
• DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) accelerates the brain’s production of acetylcholine, a substance that plays a role in the brain's nerve impulse transmission. DMAE is naturally found in brain foods like anchovies and sardines. It has been used effectively to support attention, learning and behavior, and motor coordination.³⁵
• Choline, a precursor for acetylcholine, is another possible nutrient to consider for maintaining brain health. One study found that poor memory and developmental instability correlated with lower concentrations of choline-containing compounds.³⁶
• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor for serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter involved in learning and behavior. Researchers have found that blood levels of serotonin tend to be lower in children with more severe symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, aggressiveness, and lack of concentration.³⁷
• Stress-reducing herbs, such as passion flower, valerian, or lemon balm, may be appropriate because stress may contribute to behavior problems.³⁸ A study of a combination herbal product containing American ginseng extract (200 mg) and Ginkgo biloba extract (50 mg) found that between 31 to 74 percent of those taking the herbs experienced improvements in shyness, social problems, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.³⁹
• Algae, such as spirulina, has also been suggested to help with attention and behavior problems. Spirulina may help by removing aluminum and other toxins from the body.^{40 41} This food supplement also contains amino acids and other easy-to-absorb nutrients. One study found an 81 percent improvement in academic scores when children took one gram of spirulina every day for six months.⁴² In another study using one gram of blue-green algae daily for 10 weeks with 109 children, most of the children showed significant improvement in their ability to focus, concentrate, and follow directions.²⁷

As you can see, there are many natural choices when dealing with behavior and learning challenges. It is imperative for parents to look at all the possible contributing causes and be a health detective. Be sure to provide plenty of healthy foods and well-designed meals, and supplant TV and video games with exercise and outdoor activities. Finally, consider your supplement options and choose what will offer your child the best opportunity to reach their maximum brain potential – naturally!   

This article is strictly educational and not meant to replace a physician’s recommendations. It is best to talk with a doctor if you are taking medications before trying to incorporate or substitute any of the above options.

References

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