1. Picky eating habits with strong sense of taste and smell perception may be a sign of zinc deficiency. Low zinc level block sensation of taste and smells and make meat repulsive. Parents would usually notice things like, “Junior can tell when we buy a different brand of chicken nuggets”, or “We can’t hide anything in Junior’s food because he always can taste it the difference”or “Junior always complain the food tastes or smells funny”.
2. Allergies is commonly result of too much copper as a result of zinc deficiency, which in turns weakens the immune system.
3. Digestive problem, especially diarrhea, which is a common symptoms of zinc deficiency.
4. Sleep disorder may be results of zinc deficiency as well, since zinc is needed to make melatonin.

Zinc deficiency may result in poor or loss of appetite, diarrhea, impaired immune function, poor or retardation of growth, delayed sexual maturation, eye or skin lesions, delayed wound healing, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy.

These signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency are not very specific and maybe associated with other health conditions. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if your child is showing any of the above signs and symptoms.

Low zinc level can interfere with effectiveness of ADHD medication. Studies show that kids on both ritalin and zinc supplements showed better ADHD symptoms control with lower ritalin doses.

In a 2004 study, children aged 6 to 14 were randomized to take 150mg zinc sulfate or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Those who take the actual zinc supplement had significantly reduced symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impaired socialization.

Another similar study in 2009, when over 200 children were randomized to 15 mg of elemental zinc a day or to placebo for 10 weeks, those taking zinc supplement saw significant improvement in attention, hyperactivity, oppositional behavior, and conduct disorder.

In a more recent study, children treated with a daily dose of 40mg of elemental zinc as zinc sulfate for 12 weeks showed significant improvement in scores on hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and impaired socialization scales than the children given placebo.

Children with ADHD often have low zinc levels due to too much copper and/or lead toxicity. Zinc and copper are both needed to create new brain chemicals and are part of our antioxidant defense system that protects cells from free radical damage.

Minerals are important for normal growth and development, but they must be maintained in an appropriate balance. So just the right amount is needed.

Too much zinc or too much copper is not good for the brain.

Zinc deficiency may cause poor or loss of appetite, diarrhea, impaired immune function, poor or retardation of growth, delayed sexual maturation, eye or skin lesions, delayed wound healing, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy.

Chelated zinc, such as picolinate, bis-glycinate, and gluconate are easier on the stomach and absorption. 

Children aged 6 to 11 years can take 15 mg elemental zinc (1 ml) once daily with meals. Children aged 12 and older may take 30 mg (2ml) of elemental zinc once daily with meals.

You might also try a zinc supplement of up to 20mg of elemental zinc per day. I have used zinc lozenges for my daughter and patients, who are super picky and sensitive with taste and texture. “Super picky eater” as in they can tell you change the brand of chicken nuggets or the oil you use in a recipe. The zinc lozenges provide about 20mg of Zn per tablet. This is a great start.

Zinc is not only good for rebalancing the electrolytes in the ADHD brain, but it’s also helpful with an increasing appetite for picky eaters and improves digestion as zinc is needed to make stomach acid.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below. 

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

If you’re just starting out on this natural ADHD treatment journey and still in the research phase, check out my new book Eat to Focus. Inside this book, you’ll learn why your ADHD child is always hungry, why he or she seems addicted to milk and bread, the underlying causes of ADHD, and the most effective ADHD treatment that addresses all the causes to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and anxiety while improving focus and calmness in your ADHD child. 

Don’t forget to download your free gift 15 Quick & Simple ADHD-Friendly Breakfast Ideas before you leave.