Key takeaways

  • Studies suggest that people with ADHD may be more likely to have low levels of certain nutrients than those without ADHD, though more research is necessary.
  • Certain nutritional supplements, such as zinc, magnesium, iron, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help manage ADHD symptoms.
  • EllaOla Kids’ Essential Multivitamin may be a good option for meeting your child’s nutritional needs, while Ritual Sleep BioSeries Melatonin may be a good option for adults managing sleep difficulties.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 11.4%Trusted Source of children ages 3 to 17 in the United States have received an ADHD diagnosis. What’s more, approximately 6% of all US adults have ADHD, with 2024 research showing that over half received their diagnosis during adulthood.

For many people, ADHD symptoms can be disruptive in certain environments or interfere with daily activities.

Children with ADHD may have difficulty managing their behavior and emotions in school or social settings. This may affect their social development or academic performance.

Common ADHD behaviors includeTrusted Source:

  • becoming easily distracted
  • not following directions
  • feeling impatient often
  • fidgeting

To treat ADHD symptoms, your or your child’s doctor may prescribe medications or make a referral to a specialist for counseling.

However, you may also be interested in alternative ways to help relieve ADHD symptoms. Some studies suggest that certain nutritional supplements can easeTrusted Source these symptoms. However, evidence is inconclusive, and more research is necessary.

It’s important to consult your or your child’s doctor before starting a new supplement or making changes to your health plan.

Keep reading for our picks of the 12 best supplements to help manage ADHD for kids and adults.

A note on price

General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($ to $$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, prices range from $0.17 to $1.74 per serving, or $12.45 to $39.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Note that the serving size or recommended number of servings per day may vary according to the age of your child.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $0.30 per serving
  • $$ = $0.30 to $0.90 per serving
  • $$$ = over $0.90 per serving

Here’s a closer look at how our picks compare:

Products
Price range
Daily dose
Third-party tested
Recommended age
Vegan-friendly
Best for
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Junior
$$
2 softgels
yes
6 to 12 years
no
omega-3 deficiency
Llama Naturals Vitamin D3 Gummies
$$
1 gummy
yes
4 and older
yes
vitamin D deficiency
Nordic Naturals Kids Calm Gummies
$$$
2 gummies
yes
4 and older
yes
relaxation and symptoms of inattention and impulsivity in kids
OLLY Kids Sleep
$$
1 to 2 gummies
yes
4 and older
no
improving kids sleep
Renzo’s Iron Supplements for Kids
$ to $$
2 tablets
yes
4 and older
yes
iron deficiency
MaryRuth’s Organic Kids Ionic Zinc
$$
3 pumps
yes
4 to 13
yes
zinc deficiency
EllaOla Kids’ Essential Unflavored Multivitamin
$$$
1 sachet
yes
4 and older
yes
meeting various nutritional needs for kids
Sports Research L-Theanine + Caffeine
$$
2 softgels
yes
18 and older
no
symptoms of inattention in adults
Ritual Sleep BioSeries Melatonin
$$$
1 capsule
yes, for purity
18 and older
yes
sleep issues for adults
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels
$$
2 softgels
yes
18 and older
no
omega-3 deficiency in adults
MegaFood Magtein Magnesium L-Threonate
$$$
3 capsules
no
18 and older
yes
magnesium deficiency in adults
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin
$
1 capsule
yes
18 and older
no
meeting various nutritional needs for adults

We selected the best supplements for ADHD using the following criteria:

  • Evidence-based ingredients: The products above contain active ingredients that may benefit some individuals with ADHD.
  • Expert recommendation: We had a registered dietitian choose the best supplements for this list to ensure they are high quality and effective.
  • Formulation: We suggest a range of products that the manufacturer has formulated specifically for children and some that are more suitable for adults.
  • Ingredient quality: We chose products that contain minimal additives, particularly artificial ones, such as sweeteners, flavors, and colors.
  • Third-party testing: We prioritized supplements that are third-party tested by reputable organizations, such as NSF International or USP, to ensure purity and potency.

Why you should trust us

Every brand and product on our list has gone through vetting to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:

  • adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
  • is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
  • is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
  • is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs

There are several factors to consider when shopping for supplements to improve symptoms of ADHD for you or your child, including:

  • Dosage: Be sure to consider the dosage, as nutrient requirements often vary by age. This is especially important for children because consuming nutrients in amounts higher than recommended can be harmful and, in some casesTrusted Source, even toxic.
  • Ingredients: Check the ingredient list and look for products that the manufacturer has formulated with research-backed ingredients that have been shown to ease symptoms of ADHD.
  • Third-party testing: Ideally, it’s best to select a supplement that has been third-party tested to ensure the safety, strength, and purity of the product.
  • Allergens: If you have any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or other preferences, it’s important to look for a product that fits your needs.
  • Cost: Be sure to consider the price to find a supplement within your budget, as well as the form, as products may be available in gummy, liquid, capsule, or tablet form.

Finally, it’s important to always consult a healthcare professional to discuss an appropriate product and dose before you or your child begins taking any supplements. A healthcare professional can assess which supplements are right and safe for you.

Some supplements can bolster ADHD medication and help relieve symptoms affecting attention, memory, mood, and thinking ability. These supplements may include vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats.

Research suggestsTrusted Source that deficiencies in certain types of fats, vitamins, and minerals may be involved in the development of ADHD.

For this reason, supplementation may help ease symptoms of ADHD, especially in people who don’t get enough of these nutrients in their diet. Some people may even consider getting nutrient testing to determine if they are deficient in any areas.

Though more research is needed, some studies suggest that the following supplements may be beneficial for individuals with ADHD:

Furthermore, some other supplements, such as melatoninTrusted Source, may alleviate specific symptoms commonly associated with ADHD, including sleep disturbancesTrusted Source.

All the supplements in this article have some research to back up their claims. However, keep in mind that current research is still in its infancy. More research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of supplements for ADHD.

Remember that you should not use supplements in place of medications or other treatments that your doctor has prescribed to treat ADHD.

Finally, before taking any supplements or giving any to your child, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can determine the appropriate dosage and help you avoid any interactions with medications or other adverse effects on health.

Before trying any new supplement or herbal remedy, talk with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician. What works for some people may not benefit you or your child in the same way.

Some nutritional supplements and herbal remedies may interact with other medications and may not be recommended for people with certain health conditions.

In addition to supplements and herbs, dietary changes may improve symptoms of ADHD.

In particular, you may want to consider removing foods from your child’s diet that can contribute to hyperactivity. These may include foods with artificial colorsTrusted Source and additives, such as sodas, fruit drinks, and brightly colored cereals.

If you’re unsure how to meet yours or your child’s nutritional needs to potentially improve symptoms of ADHD, consider consulting a doctor or dietitian for support.

What is the best natural ADHD supplement?

Some research suggests that certain supplements, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce symptoms of ADHD, especially in children with nutrient deficienciesTrusted Source.

However, there’s limited research on the effectiveness of supplements for individuals with ADHD, especially for people who already get enough of these nutrients in their diet.

A healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or registered dietitian, can help determine which supplements may be most beneficial for you or your child.

What foods aggravate ADHD?

Though research has turned up mixed results, some older studies suggest that artificial food colorings may contributeTrusted Source to hyperactivity in children.

Some people with ADHD may alsoTrusted Source be sensitive to specific ingredients, including common food allergens like milk, cheese, and nuts.

Because certain foods may affect people with ADHD differently, a healthcare professional may recommend trying an elimination diet to help identify potential trigger foods and ease symptoms of ADHD.

Some studies suggest that certain nutritional supplements, such as zinc, magnesium, iron, melatonin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help manage ADHD symptoms.

However, before trying a new supplement or other alternative treatment for ADHD, be sure to consult a healthcare professional. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of adding it to your or your child’s treatment plan.