Are there supplements that can help with hyperactivity?

Scientific studies have delivered mixed results on using herbs/supplements to improve symptoms of hyperactivity, which is often associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Supplementing zinc and fish oils have shown symptom improvements in some trials. Herbal supplements containing American ginseng and ginkgo biloba have also shown promise in treating hyperactivity. Always consult with your doctor before taking an herb or supplement to treat a condition in case it would be contraindicated because of medications or personal physiology.

Our first recommendation is to make sure you are consuming a healthy diet (free of most processed foods) such as the ones on our Sharecare Fitness application. Add your daily multivitamin and mineral formula (MVM), which contains zinc and other necessary minerals and vitamins. Make sure you are getting all your calcium needs and add an omega-3 fish oil supplement as needed. Below is our basic supplement health recommendation:

Take daily:

• Targeted multivitamin and mineral: Take as directed
• Superior antioxidant: Take 1

As needed:

• Super calcium+: Use if you do not meet the daily needs of calcium (~1000-1200 mgs) and vitamin D (1000 IU) from sunlight, multivitamin and food intake
• Super Omega-3: Take 1 daily if not consuming 2-4 servings of fatty fish per week