Zinc

Optimal dose 15-25 mg/day

Zinc has been shown to be a common deficiency, and it is critical for optimal immune and antioxidant function. Zinc may also help people think more clearly. One study gave 44 children with ADHD either 55 mg of zinc or placebo each day for six weeks along with their Ritalin (which is overused in ADD). While the behavior of all of the children improved during the study, those who had taken zinc had a more marked improvement. Zinc may play a role in regulating the production of dopamine in the brain, which is associated with feelings of pleasure and reward and deficiency has been linked to ADHD. In addition, a study of seventh graders showed that 20 mg a day of zinc improved school performance with improved memory and attention span. Zinc is found in high protein foods.

More Information Online

Nutritional primer

We have a 20,000 word primer on nutrition at our website that provides more detail with study references on each nutrient. Click here to visit the "Zinc" section of our primer.