ADHD Natural Management - Pediatric

A root-cause protocol for children with ADHD symptoms.

Evidence Score

55/100

Developer

Sandy Newmark, Joel Nigg

Duration

3 to 6 months to judge the full effect of diet, nutrient and routine changes

Steps

21 phases

Used for

4 conditions

Protocol Overview

A root-cause protocol for children with ADHD symptoms. It starts by looking for what may be driving attention and behavior (sleep, nutrition and deficiencies, blood sugar, gut health, screen time, environmental exposures, stress and trauma) and builds on diet, nutrient repletion, routines, movement and parent support. Supplement amounts for children are set by age and weight with the child's clinician.

Used For

ADHD in childrenhyperactivityimpulsivityfocus issues

Key Resources

ADHD Without Drugs by Sandy Newmark, "Getting Ahead of ADHD" by Joel Nigg, Feingold Association, research on omega-3 and elimination diets in ADHD

Supplements & Herbs

Melatonin L-Theanine Phosphatidylserine Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo Pumpkin Seed

Safety Profile

Contraindications & Risks

Children's supplement amounts must be set by age and weight with the child's clinician. Iron only if a test shows deficiency, and store it safely (iron overdose can be fatal for young children). Elimination diets only with a clinician or dietitian to protect growth. Don't stop or change a child's prescribed medication without the prescriber. A child who talks about harming themselves or others, or is in crisis, needs help right away

Important Notes

ADHD is diagnosed in about 1 in 10 US children. Attention and behavior problems can have many drivers, so start by looking at sleep, nutrition, blood sugar, screens, stress and the child's environment. Artificial colors and preservatives affect some children; a meta-analysis found a small effect, and the Southampton study saw effects even in children without ADHD. A supervised few-foods diet improved symptoms for many children in one trial, but it is demanding and needs professional support. Omega-3 shows small benefits. Low ferritin has been found more often in children with ADHD in some studies, and iron helps only when it is low. Sleep problems are common and worth treating. Behavioral parent training and school accommodations have strong evidence. Decisions about medication belong to the family and the child's prescriber. If your child is thinking about suicide or in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.

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EvidenceLow-Moderate

Evidence Score55/100

Categorynutrition

Duration3 to 6 months to judge the full effect of diet, nutrient and routine changes

About Evidence Score

The Evidence Score (0 to 100) rates the strength of evidence from studies in people for the uses listed: higher means stronger, more consistent research. It does not measure safety. It is not medical advice.

For education, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician before you start, and never stop or change a prescribed medication without your prescriber.