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
Genetics [1,2]
Central nervous system disorders [1,2]
Certain environmental toxins (read Toxic Load to learn how to reduce these)
Prenatal exposure to toxins like alcohol or cigarette smoke [17, 18, 19]
Prenatal exposure to parabens [8] and phthalates [9, 10]
Environmental toxins like heavy metals and air pollution [6, 11, 12, 16, 22]
Nutrient deficiencies like magnesium, zinc, iron, omega 3 fatty acids [13, 14, 15, 21]
Excess glutamate via diet or supplementation
Artificial food dyes [4,5]
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]
Read more on Food Reactions
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
Supplements can be used to replenish nutrients that a person is deficient in. This is especially useful for picky eaters or children on a very limited diet.
Supplements like Fish oil, Magnesium, L-Theanine or GABA may help with hyperactivity. Melatonin may also aid with sleep if the child has a hard time winding down at night,
Antioxidants like NAC, sulforaphane, and quercetin have also shown promising results in hyperactivity.
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]
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[1] Hyperactivity. Medlineplus.gov. Accessed May 7, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003256.htm
[2] Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Accessed May 7, 2022. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
[3] Rong Y, Yang CJ, Jin Y, Wang Y. Prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021;83(101759):101759. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101759
[4] McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2007;370(9598):1560-7.
[5] Bakthavachalu P, Kannan SM, Qoronfleh MW. Food Color and Autism: A Meta-Analysis. Adv Neurobiol. 2020;24:481-504.
[6] Lee MJ, Chou MC, Chou WJ, et al. Heavy Metals' Effect on Susceptibility to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implication of Lead, Cadmium, and Antimony. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(6):E1221.
[7] Bloch MH, Mulqueen J. Nutritional supplements for the treatment of ADHD. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014;23(4):883-97.
[8] Baker BH, Wu H, Laue HE, et al. Methylparaben in meconium and risk of maternal thyroid dysfunction, adverse birth outcomes, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Environ Int. 2020;139:105716.
[9] Philippat C, Bennett DH, Krakowiak P, Rose M, Hwang HM, Hertz-Picciotto I. Phthalate concentrations in house dust in relation to autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay in the CHildhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) study. Environ Health. 2015;14:56.
[10] Shoaff JR, Coull B, Weuve J, et al. Association of Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals During Adolescence With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Related Behaviors. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(8):e2015041.
[11] Skogheim TS, Weyde KVF, Engel SM, et al. Metal and essential element concentrations during pregnancy and associations with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. Environ Int. 2021;152:106468.
[12] Muñoz MP, Rubilar P, Valdés M, et al. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and its association with heavy metals in children from northern Chile. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2020;226:113483.
[13] Hemamy M, Pahlavani N, Amanollahi A, et al. The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatr. 2021;21(1):178.
[14] Y, Huang L, Zhang L, Qu Y, Mu D. Iron Status in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0169145.
[15] Ghoreishy SM, Ebrahimi Mousavi S, Asoudeh F, Mohammadi H. Zinc status in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):14612.
[16] Donzelli G, Carducci A, Llopis-Gonzalez A, et al. The Association between Lead and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(3):E382.
[17] Lin Q, Hou XY, Yin XN, et al. Prenatal Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Hyperactivity Behavior in Chinese Young Children. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017;14(10):E1132.
[18] Lin LZ, Xu SL, Wu QZ, et al. Association of Prenatal, Early Postnatal, or Current Exposure to Secondhand Smoke With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(5):e2110931.
[19] Pagnin D, Zamboni Grecco ML, Furtado EF. Prenatal alcohol use as a risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2019;269(6):681-7.
[20] Heilskov Rytter MJ, Andersen LB, Houmann T, et al. Diet in the treatment of ADHD in children - a systematic review of the literature. Nord J Psychiatry. 2015;69(1):1-18.
[21] Chang JP, Su KP, Mondelli V, Pariante CM. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;43(3):534-45.
[22] Donzelli G, Llopis-Gonzalez A, Llopis-Morales A, Cioni L, Morales-Suárez-Varela M. Particulate Matter Exposure and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;17(1):E67.
