nutrient deficiencies and supplements
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Nutritional Strategies for ADHD course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Acetylcholine #
** A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in memory, learning, and attention. Acetylcholine deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with choline has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
**Adenosine #
** A neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and inhibits arousal. Adenosine levels build up throughout the day and decrease during sleep. Adenosine receptor antagonists, such as caffeine, can improve symptoms of ADHD by increasing arousal and alertness.
**Amino acids #
** The building blocks of proteins. Certain amino acids, such as tyrosine and tryptophan, are precursors to neurotransmitters and are important for brain function.
**ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) #
** A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
**Choline #
** A nutrient that is essential for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Choline can be found in eggs, meat, and fish, and supplementing with choline has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Dopamine #
** A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in motivation, reward, and attention. Dopamine deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with dopamine precursors, such as tyrosine, has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
**Essential fatty acids #
** Fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are important for brain function and have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Executive functions #
** A set of cognitive processes that are necessary for goal-directed behavior, such as planning, organization, and self-control. Executive function deficits have been linked to ADHD.
**GABA (Gamma #
Aminobutyric Acid):** A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve impulses and promotes relaxation. GABA supplements have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Magnesium #
** A mineral that is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body, including nerve and muscle function. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with magnesium has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
**Neurodevelopmental disorder #
** A disorder that affects the development of the nervous system and is present from birth or early childhood. ADHD is an example of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
**Neurotransmitters #
** Chemical messengers that transmit signals in the brain and nervous system. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood, cognition, and behavior.
**Omega #
3:** A type of essential fatty acid that is important for brain function and has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Omega #
6:** A type of essential fatty acid that is important for brain function and has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Precursors #
** Substances that are converted into neurotransmitters in the body. For example, tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine.
**Pycnogenol #
** A supplement derived from the bark of pine trees that has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Serotonin #
** A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with serotonin precursors, such as tryptophan, has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
**Tyrosine #
** An amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Tyrosine supplements have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals.
**Vitamin B6 #
** A vitamin that is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with vitamin B6 has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
**Vitamin B12 #
** A vitamin that is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with vitamin B12 has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
**Zinc #
** A mineral that is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body, including nerve and immune function. Zinc deficiency has been linked to ADHD and supplementing with zinc has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals.
Note #
The above glossary terms are not exhaustive and other terms may also be relevant to the course Advanced Certificate in Nutritional Strategies for ADHD. The terms provided are intended to be a starting point for understanding the key concepts related to nutrient deficiencies and supplements in the context of ADHD. It is important to note that while some supplements have been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD in some individuals, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential interactions between supplements and medications, as well as the recommended dosages and potential side effects.