Deficiency in Vitamin D, an essential vitamin, is common among children (and adults) with ADHD. So, what can caregivers do to help? Read this post to learn more!
Studies show that the proportion of children with a vitamin D deficiency and ADHD diagnosis is significantly larger than that of the children without the diagnosis.
Other studies suggest that vitamin D plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the central nervous system and mental health.
As a result, supplementation with Vitamin D is a common strategy used by many practitioners and families alike, and it’s one I recommend often to families of children with ADHD that I work with.
The Dark Side of the Sunshine Vitamin
Unfortunately, there is a dark side to vitamin D supplementation.
First of all, proper research and understanding of the different forms of Vitamin D and how exactly each works are often missing when many families begin taking a supplement protocol.
Also, practitioners and online experts don’t always provide specific product recommendations and dosage guidance.
Plus, the aisles at grocery and drug stores are lined with various options, leaving consumers confused as to which supplement to pick and how much to take.
The Sunshine Vitamin, as vitamin D is often called, is one that our bodies produce in the skin from exposure to sunlight.
However, many people have insufficient levels because they live in places where sunlight is limited in winter or because they have limited sun exposure due to being inside much of the time.
People with darker skin tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D because the pigment (melanin) acts like a shade, reducing the production of vitamin D. Likewise, the overuse of sunscreen can also block the skin’s vitamin D receptors, leading to the same outcome.
In addition, only a few foods are naturally abundant in this fat-soluble vitamin, so getting enough through food alone can be a challenge.
Such foods include sardines, cod liver oil, beef liver, eggs, mushrooms, and caviar.
But let’s face it – kids aren’t crazy about being served a mushroom and caviar omelet with a side of beef liver and a chaser of cod liver oil!
All of this can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D and results in many symptoms, including ADHD symptoms.
This vitamin affects kids with ADHD specifically because it is necessary for neurodevelopment and for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in how we feel pleasure, think, plan, focus, and find things interesting.
So, supplementation to the rescue!
The KEY to Vitamin D Supplementation
However, there is an important and often missed caveat to supplementing with Vitamin D.
Vitamin D’s function in neurodevelopment isn’t the only one. The body also uses it in many other ways, including building and maintaining strong bones.
The bone-building cells are stimulated by vitamin D, but for those cells to be converted into actual bone, they need vitamin K2 as well.
When people supplement with vitamin D without the necessary K2, the body will use up all available K2 in response to bone building cells being stimulated by vitamin D, which can lead to K2 depletion.
When we are low in K2, we can experience symptoms such as cardiovascular problems and heart disease, among others.
We certainly don’t want our supplements to create problems in other parts of the body, particularly when this concerns bone development for growing kids and the health of their cardiovascular system.
This is why it’s so important to make sure the supplements you use are formulated thoughtfully.
Our Shine Thrive supplement contains vitamin D3, along with vitamins K1 and K2, to ensure that our clients not only get the benefit of these vitamins but also prevent a whole host of other issues resulting from improper supplementation.
References: The Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Level and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4670977/ The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8052751/ The Role of Vitamin D in Brain Health: A Mini Literature Review- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132681/
Want to know more about how we can help YOU get to a place of peace and calm with your child using natural strategies?
Let’s talk!
with one of my expert team members to help you take your next step toward a healthier, happier home. There is absolutely NO RISK. It’s free, and there are no obligations. All we will do is chat about how we can help you get to where you want to go!
Alternatively, for more details about how you can help reduce your child’s ADHD symptoms, sign up for my today
And as always, I am not a medical doctor and the above post is based on my experience. No information on this site should be relied upon to make a medical diagnosis, treat, prevent or cure any disease or medical condition.
