Traditional medicine is not the only option for children with behavioral problems; nowadays, there is a great variety of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, iron or vitamin B6 which, under the supervision of a health care provider, can help improve a child's behavior.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to the article "Omega-3 Fatty Acids," published by the University of Maryland Medical Center, Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for human health; these are essential acids which the human body does not produce. They are highly concentrated in the human brain and are important for good brain and memory performance as well as behavioral function. According to the article, kids who have not received enough omega-3 fatty acids during the pre-natal stage are at risk of suffering vision and nervous problems. A clinical study on 100 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) demonstrated that those with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids had more learning and behavioral problems such as tantrums. Fish (salmon sardine or tuna) and nut oils are the main source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are supplements (fish oil capsules) for children available at stores. There is no established dose for children.
Iron
The article "ADD/ADHD & Behavioral Problems: Nutritional Causes, Prevention and Therapies" published by Acu-Cell Disorders claims that there is a relation between iron deficiency and low levels of dopamine which is a chemical in the brain involved in controlling movement. In a scientific study led by Dr. Eric Konofal, 84% of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) had abnormally low level of iron compared to 18% of children without ADHD. The article "Iron and Your Child," published by KidsHealth from Nemours, explains that infants need 11 milligrams of iron a day, kids 1 to 12 years old need 10 milligrams a day, adolescent boys need 11 milligrams and adolescent girls need 15 milligrams per day. Red meats, leafy green vegetables, fish and cereal are good sources of iron. Iron pills are sold in stores, but it is always important to consult a health care provider before giving these pills to children.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
The article "Vitamin B6 and Magnesium," published by the Autism Research Institute, explains that vitamin B6 and magnesium help reduce behavioral problems on children with autism. Eleven scientific studies on autistic children documented decrease on behavioral problems, improvement on behavior and normalization of brain function due to the intake of vitamin B6 and magnesium. Irritability and agitation are related to magnesium deficiencies. Parents of autistic children have also observed that their children are more attentive and learn better with B6 and magnesium supplements. There is a flavored B6/magnesium formula available. The effective dose is 8 milligrams per pound for vitamin B6 and 3 milligrams per pound for magnesium.
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