ADHD and Vitamin B12

ADHD appears to be on the spectrum of vitamin B12 deficiency disorders
Treatment often revolves around the use of dopamine agonists
The dopamine breakdown product HVA is over-produced in ADHD
Over-production of dopamine is one of the defining symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
Treatment involves identification of the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency
Generally the cause is functional B2 deficiency
Treatment involves the use of the RnB protocol

ADHD and Vitamin B12 deficiency

ADHD occurs at about twice the rate in boys to girls. It has many Co-deficiencies, including anxiety, depression, learning difficulties and can be associated with autism. Serum analysis reveals higher homocysteine in ADHD, suggesting a role for functional B12 deficiency in the condition. Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in mothers has been associated with ADHD (Sourander et al, 2021;Lukovac et al, 2024; Altun et al, 2018; Bala et al, 2016)

ADHD and vitamin D deficiency

There is an association between an increased level of vitamin D deficiency and an increased incidence of ADHD (Bala etal, 2016)

ADHD and Sleep

The contribution of vitamin B12 to ADHD can be deduced from the sleep problems that are common in ADHD. Lack of melatonin is a consequence of vitamin B12 deficiency (Larsson et al, 2022; Yuge et al, 2020)

Drug Treatments for ADHD

The standard drug treatment for ADHD are Stimulants such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin or Concerta), and Amphetamines (Aderall, Vyvanse), which work on dopamine production. Alternatively Non-Stimulants are used such as Atomexine, Guanfacine, or Clonidine, which work on the a-2-adrenergic receptors. The belief is that the person with ADHD is underproducing dopamine or adrenalin, however, biochemically it can be shown that because of the functional B2 deficiency, they are actually overproducing both.

Organic Acid	ADHD	Control
Homovanillic acid	2.46	1.72
Vanillylmandelic Acid	1.26	1.05
5-HIAA	2.97	0.66
Quinolinic Acid	3.3	1.23

Vitamin D and ADHD

The observation that the iron dependent enzymes Prolyl hydroxylase and Lysyl hydroxylase are essential for building strength into collagen fibres and hence into structural compenents such as ligaments, potentially explains the greater

Gastrointestinal disorders and ADHD

Gut disturbances are common in ADHD. This is common in vitamin B12 deficiency, as maturation of the gut is delayed due to lack of melatonin production, and hence sensitivity to lactose, histamine, sulphites etc is higher. Up to 50% of kids with ADHD have gut issues.

References

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