Vitamins that Help Children and Young People with Behavioral Problems

Children and young people with behavioral problems present special challenges to parents, teachers and other professionals. In the school setting uncontrolled behavior is linked to other forms of special educational need, because they interfere with the learning process. Of all the psychiatric syndromes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD) are the most closely related to delinquency.

Attention deficit overlaps with conduct problems and other manifestations of disruptive behavior, such as delinquency and possibly substance use. Uncontrolled behavior manifests itself in the form of non-cooperative or oppositional behavior, and thus presents a personal threat to the offender, resulting in a downward spiral of failure.

Children and young people who have disruptive behavior often need what the people around them find most difficult to give: care, support and understanding. This is one of the main challenges to overcome what may be the commonsense approach to negative behavior, that is, the desire to make the perpetrator suffer. Problem behaviors should not be seen as inevitable. There is a powerful body of research which suggests that there is often a nutritional aspect to treatment.

Results of research have confirmed the link between malnutrition and violence. In the US, children and young people have diets loaded with sugar and fast food. According to the American Journal of Pediatrics’ article, “Crime and Violence: A Hypothetical Explanation of Its Relationship with High Calorie Malnutrition,” research conducted at Oxford University revealed improvement in children’s behavior when nutritional supplements were consumed. The principal author of the research, Dr. Derrick Lonsdale reported evidence that high calorie malnutrition contributes to crime and violence.

California State University researchers compared behavioral problems in groups of school children ages 6 to 12. One group was given vitamin supplements and the other group was given placebos. The results showed that the children who did not take the vitamins needed twice as much discipline as the other group taking vitamins. Results of studies such as these confirm that children and young people who exhibit disruptive, uncontrolled behavior may benefit from nutritional supplements, because they have an effect on brain balance.

The following nutrients are suggested to help children and young people control their behavior. The nutrients may be obtained from vitamin supplements or food sources.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Dr. Derrick Lonsdale reported that about 40 percent of the children in the study on crime on violence had a significant improvement in behavior when given daily supplements of omega-3 essential fat, which are necessary for brain development.

Fish is the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, tuna, vegetable oils, almonds, and walnuts have the highest contents of omega 3.

Vitamin B1 Thiamine
A deficiency of vitamin B1 can result in poorly controlled behavior. Because stress increases the need for B1, thiamine is necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system.

The best food sources of B1 are potatoes, seafood, kidney beans, liver, Brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, oatmeal, whole wheat, bran, whole brown rice, black strap molasses, and soybeans.

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is necessary for the metabolism of fats, particularly unsaturated fatty acids.
It is beneficial for the body’s immune system, and aids in the reduction or elimination of the symptoms of nervous tremors and epileptic seizures.

Foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 are whole grains, breakfast cereals, potatoes, bread, eggs, meat, fish, baked beans, bananas, nuts and seeds, especially sunflower seeds.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important in forming collagen, which gives structure to blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and muscle.

The best sources of Vitamin C are fruit, artichokes, asparagus, green and yellow beams, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, endive, kale, collard and mustard greens, okra, onions, green peas, bell peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, tomatoes, chicken, beef, and clams.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency can result in neuropsychological symptoms. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, and is necessary for DNA synthesis, and supports development during childhood, and adolescence.

The best food sources of Zinc are fortified cereals, what germ, meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, seeds, pumpkin, milk, cheese, and yogurt

In general, treatment for uncontrolled behavior should be multidisciplinary and include nutritional, behavioral, exercise, and medical intervention. The goal of the nutritional aspect of treatment is to minimize health risks and improve quality of life. Focus should be on healthy food choices, with an emphasis on monounsaturated fatty acids, and enough carbohydrates for energy. Junk food and sugar should be discouraged owing to the risk of disease and nutritional imbalances. Parents should praise good eating habits with positive reinforcement, but not focus too much on eating itself.

Caution: Parents should consult with their child’s physician, before following any advice with regards to their child’s health.

References

Lonsdale, D. et al. (Fall 1994). Crime and Violence: A Hypothetical Explanation of Its Relationship With High Calorie Malnutrition. Journal of the Advancement of Medicine,7(3):171-180.

Raymond, N. (January 2001). A Dose of Good Behavior: Vitamins shown to Promote Good Behavior in Children. Psychology Today.