Mental Illness and ADHD Helped With Vitamins
A growing body of evidence links dietary choices with brain health and risk of psychiatric illnesses. Subclinical vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause or exacerbate ADHD and psychiatric symptoms. People with emotional illnesses often don't eat well, creating further problems. Genetic differences may compromise essential nutrient pathways, affecting neurotransmitter production and brain health.
Vitamins are dietary components other than carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and proteins that are necessary for life. A few of the effects of vitamins on brain health include:
B vitamins are required for proper functioning of the methylation cycle, monoamine production, DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and maintenance of phospholipids such as myelin.
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E play important roles in genetic transcription, antioxidant recycling, and inflammatory regulation in the brain.
Zinc plays a part in modulating the brain and body's response to stress. The highest amount of zinc in the body is found in our brains, particularly in the hippocampus. Zinc deficiency can lead to symptoms of depression, ADHD, difficulties with learning and memory, seizures, aggression, eating disorders and violence.
Lower magnesium levels have been correlated with lower serotonin levels in the brain, and have been associated with depression, behavior and personality changes, apathy, irritability and anxiety.
Depression is a classic early symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, necessary for the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, among other things. Symptoms include depression, hypochondriasis and low motivation.
Genetic mutations such as MTHFR, MAO-A, and COMT have effects on nutrients which affect the formation and breakdown of neurotransmitters, which can have an effect on mental health.
Much research is being done on the use of high-potency vitamin-minerals in ADHD and mental illness with positive results.
As we treat ADHD, mental and emotional illness, a healthy diet comes first, along with SpringTree SuperMulti Plus, up to 6 capsules a day, and fish oil, 2,000-4,000 mg/day, depending on lab results. If there are certain genetic mutations we may add SpringTree Methylation Factors and increased levels of niacin and glutathione. There are high levels of Vitamin D3 and Zinc in the SuperMulti Plus, however, we may add extra if there is evidence of lower levels for a month or two.
Added with emotional work, changing and/or decreasing prescription medications, the nutritional factors can make a huge difference with our patients.
*Make sure and check with your doctor before making any changes if you are on psychiatric medications.
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.
Until we meet again,
Dr. Judi
