Hyperactivity

What is Hyperactivity?

  • Hyperactivity is when there is increased movement both in the body and the mind, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate and short attention span. [1]

  • Identifying hyperactivity can be difficult because it is subjective and depends largely on the observer and their perception.

  • Hyperactivity is a symptom of many conditions including ADHD and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

  • About 40% of individuals with autism also have ADHD. [3]

 
 

Signs & Symptoms

  • Restlessness and need to be in motion

  • Excessive talking and/or interrupting of others

  • Inability to wait one’s turn

  • Fidgeting or other constant movement

  • Inability to engage in quiet activities

  • Forgetful or seeming to not pay attention to instructions

  • Loss of focus on tasks 

  • Easily distracted

Contributing Factors


Next Steps

Diet

  • Eating regular and balanced meals and snacks is a useful tactic for helping children maintain steady blood sugar and energy levels.

  • Meals and snacks should include healthy fats like olive oil and avocados, fiber rich, complex carbohydrates from whole grains or root vegetables, and plenty of protein.

  • Minimizing processed foods with artificial dyes, MSG (excess glutamate) and other additives may be helpful.

  • Reducing added sugars (including cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, etc.) 

  • Using an elimination diet or food sensitivity testing to determine if your child is sensitive to phenols or other foods (dairy, gluten, etc.) may be worthwhile as well. [20]

  • Getting a micronutrient lab test for children with hyperactivity may be helpful in order to determine if a nutrient deficiency is at the root of this symptom.

Supplements

Lifestyle

  • Outdoor time and adequate exercise is essential for children to move and use their energy in positive ways.

  • Behavioral therapy (including cognitive behavior therapy) can be very helpful for both children and parents.

  • Weighted blankets can be a useful tool to help children calm down.

DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.

Hyperactivity & Autism in the Research

Hyperactivity and Nutrient Deficiencies

  • Vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) co-supplementation for a duration of 8-weeks could improve the behavioral function and mental health of children with ADHD. [13]

  • In a meta-analysis investigating the relationship between iron deficiency and ADHD, it was found that serum ferritin levels were lower in ADHD cases. [14]

  • Present meta-analysis raises the possibility that subjects with ADHD are prone to have declined levels of zinc levels. Based on current findings, screening the zinc levels in subjects with ADHD could be reasonable. [15]

Hyperactivity and Environmental Toxins

  • A total of 9 out of the 12 studies reported a positive association between PM exposure to outdoor air pollution and behavioral problems related to attention.[23]

  • Lead, cadmium and antimony were associated with susceptibility to ADHD and symptom severity in school-age children.[6]

  • Results from the present study show several associations between levels of metals and elements during gestation and ASD and ADHD in children, the most notable being arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, manganese, magnesium, and lead. Our results suggest that even population levels of these compounds may have negative impacts on neurodevelopment. [11]

  • The findings of this study suggest that exposure of children to lead and inorganic arsenic was associated with ADHD. [12]

  • The evidence from the studies allowed us to establish that there is an association between lead and ADHD and that even low levels of lead raise the risk. [16]

  • There is evidence that n-3 PUFAs supplementation monotherapy improves clinical symptoms and cognitive performances in children and adolescents with ADHD, and that these youth have a deficiency in n-3 PUFAs levels. [21]


Authors

Elisa Rocks, RDN, CLT

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT

Previous
Previous

Fragile X Syndrome

Next
Next

Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone)