Have any supplements been studied for ADHD?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Several supplements have been studied for ADHD, including fish oil, which may improve symptoms due to its omega-3 fatty acids, and Ginkgo biloba, which may enhance blood flow and neurotransmitter signaling. Additionally, L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and phosphatidylserine have shown potential benefits by influencing energy production and neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

    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.