Treatment Options: Supplements
Here are some well-known supplements with evidence for neurodivergent conditions and anxiety. A lot of prescription medications for mental health conditions and ADHD can interact with supplements and prescription medications for health conditions. I’ve vetted these for the most common ones. But always do your own research AND talk to your doctor.
Always make sure your supplement is from a reputable brand and is lab-tested. The FDA does not approve supplements other than the Vitamin B and D a doctor can prescribe.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Clinical evidence for reducing hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, increasing attention in individuals with ADHD, and helping support cognitive functioning in individuals with ASD. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Zinc - Limited evidence for hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD and social/communication challenges associated with ASD.
Magnesium - Solid evidence for cognitive functioning, mainly because individuals with ADHD tend to be deficient. There is also evidence that it helps reduce anxiety in individuals with autism.
Vitamin D - A super common deficiency in more Northern climates, and even more common among ADHD and ASD. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and mood.
Inositol - Clinical evidence for anxiety disorders, especially OCD.
Vitamin B - Another nutrient ADHDers tend to be deficient in. There is some evidence that taking Vitamin B6 decreases anxiety in individuals with ADHD and ASD and possibly also decreases hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD when combined with magnesium. Vitamin B is also known to make antidepressants more effective.
Probiotics - Emerging evidence links the balance of gut bacteria with symptoms of autism, so supporting gut health with probiotics can help.
References
Frye, D. (2020, April 4). Vitamins and Supplements for ADHD. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/treatment/vitamins-and-supplements/
Khatri, M. (2023, April 9). What to Know About Vitamins and Mental Health. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-about-vitamins-and-mental-health
Newmark, S. (2020, February 28). 10 Supplements and Vitamins for ADHD Symptom Control. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/vitamins-minerals-adhd-treatment-plan/
Moller, R. (2023, October 10). Best Supplements and Vitamins for Autism. Above & Beyond Therapy. https://www.abtaba.com/blog/supplements-vitamins-for-autism
Zylowska, L. (2024, June 11). What Is Integrative Medicine for ADHD? A Holistic Health & Wellness Guide. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/integrative-medicine-adhd-holistic-health-wellness-guide/