Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which have well-supported anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate neurotransmitter and immune function, and as a result, may improve ADHD.[1]
Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow in the human brain and the signaling of serotonin and norepinephrine in rats, which may contribute to its mild, positive effect on ADHD.[2][3]
Both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are present in brain cells and play an important role in energy production — it’s possible that by increasing mitochondrial activity in neurons and promoting dopamine signaling, carnitine could improve symptoms of ADHD.[4]
Supplementing with phosphatidylserine (a phosphorus-containing lipid) seems to positively affect ADHD,[5] which is likely due to its important role in adjusting receptor, enzyme, and ion channel activity, and consequently, affecting the signaling of most neurotransmitters in the brain.
References
- ^Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su, Valeria Mondelli, Carmine M ParianteOmega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological StudiesNeuropsychopharmacology.(2018 Feb)
- ^Laura L Boles Ponto, Susan K SchultzGinkgo biloba extract: review of CNS effectsAnn Clin Psychiatry.(2003 Jun)
- ^F Huguet, T TarradeAlpha 2-adrenoceptor changes during cerebral ageing. The effect of Ginkgo biloba extractJ Pharm Pharmacol.(1992 Jan)
- ^L Eugene Arnold, Antonino Amato, Hernan Bozzolo, Jill Hollway, Amy Cook, Yaser Ramadan, Lindsay Crowl, Dan Zhang, Susan Thompson, Giussepe Testa, Vernon Kliewer, Timothy Wigal, Keith McBurnett, Michael ManosAcetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a multi-site, placebo-controlled pilot trialJ Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol.(2007 Dec)
- ^Hirayama S, Terasawa K, Rabeler R, Hirayama T, Inoue T, Tatsumi Y, Purpura M, Jäger RThe effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.J Hum Nutr Diet.(2014 Apr)