Active substances and pharmaceuticals concerned
| Name of active substance | Trade Name | Affected micronutrients |
| Methylphenidate | Ritalin®, Concerta® | Zinc Omega-3 fatty acids Magnesium Phosphatidylserine |
| Name of active substance | Trade Name | Affected micronutrients |
| Methylphenidate | Ritalin®, Concerta® | Zinc Omega-3 fatty acids Magnesium Phosphatidylserine |
| Mechanism of interaction | |
| Zinc | An adequate zinc level plays a major role in methylphenidate therapy. Zinc inhibits dopamine transport, improves neuronal glucose utilization and ensures the provision of various neurotransmitters. |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Hyperkinetic behavioral disorders are positively influenced by the combined administration of psychostimulants and EPA/DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate the neurotransmitter metabolism. The nerve cell membranes and cerebral blood flow are stabilized and improved. EPA/DHA also regulate neuronal glucose utilization. |
| Magnesium | The neuronal metabolism in the CNS is regulated by magnesium. It influences the serotonin availability of L-tryptophan and reduces the release of stress hormones. Magnesium is a natural NMDA receptor antagonist. |
| Phosphatidylserine | Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the most important phospholipid in the brain. PS is centrally involved in the signal transduction and release of neurotransmitters. A lack of PS leads to disorders of cerebral glucose utilization. |
| Positive consequences of the interaction | Possible symptoms | |
| Zinc | Improvement of drug effectiveness |
|
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Improvement of drug effectiveness |
|
| Magnesium | Improvement of drug effectiveness |
|
| Phosphatidylserine | Improvement of drug effectiveness |
|
| Medical substance | Recommended supplementation | Dosage |
| Psychostimulants | Zinc | 10-25 mg/d p.o. |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 2000 mg/d p.o. | |
| Magnesium | 6-10 mg/kg BW/d p.o. | |
| Phosphatidylserine | 100-200 mg/d p.o. |
| Instructions for use | ||
| Phosphatidylserine | Combination with vitamin B complex and omega-3 fatty acids is advised. | |
| References |
|
Antalis CJ et al. Omega-3 fatty acid status in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Oct-Nov;75(4-5):299-308. Epub 2006 Sep 8. Bekaroglu M, Aslan Y, Gedik Y et al. Relationships between serum free fatty acids and zinc, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a research note. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 1996;37:225-227 Hirayama S et al. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2014 Apr;27 Suppl 2:284-91. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12090. Epub 2013 Mar 17. Gröber U. Mikronährstoffe. Metabolic Tuning – Prävention – Therapie. 3. Auflage, 2011 Gröber U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe. Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung. 3. Akt. und erw. Auflage, 2014. Nowak G Alterations in zinc homeostasis in depression and antidepressant therapy. Pol J Pharmacol. 1998 Jan-Feb;50(1):1-4. Schmidt ME et al. Effect of dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate on calcium and magnesium concentration in hyperactive boys. Psychiatry Res. 1994 Nov;54(2):199-210. Sorgi PJ et al. Effects of an open-label pilot study with high-dose EPA/DHA concentrates on plasma phospholipids and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutr J. 2007 Jul 13;6:16. Stargrove Mitchell Bebel, Treasure Jonathan, McKee Dwight L.: Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies. 2008 Zamora J et al. Zinc in the therapy of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. A preliminar randomized controlled trial. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2011 Sep;61(3):242-6. |