Global ADHD cases are on the rise; nutritionists teach you how to eat your way to a better mood with natural nutrients.

Studies show that the number of people using ADHD medications continues to rise.

A study from Oxford University in the UK shows that the proportion of people using medication for ADHD has risen sharply in several European countries within 13 years , with the overall increase in the UK exceeding three times, and the increase in usage among British women aged 25 and over reaching 20 times. The relevant research results will be published in the journal "The Lancet" in 2026 .

An Oxford University team analyzed health records from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom regarding the use of hyperactivity disorder medications in individuals aged 3 and older. The medications studied included methylphenidate , dexamphetamine , lisdexamfetamine , atomoxetine , and guanfacine .

The study found that the prevalence of related drugs increased in all five countries from 2010 to 2023. The UK saw the most significant relative increase across all age groups, rising from 0.12% to 0.39% ; the Netherlands also saw its prevalence more than double , increasing from 0.67% to 1.56% .

The number of people using ADHD medications continues to rise, with the most significant shift occurring among adults, particularly women. She believes this reflects increased societal awareness and diagnosis of ADHD in adults, while also raising concerns about long-term treatment models and care needs.

Globally, approximately 8% of children and adolescents and 3% of adults suffer from ADHD . However, the current medication usage rate is still lower than the estimated prevalence, indicating that a large number of patients are not receiving drug treatment. People can still reduce ADHD symptoms through natural nutritional supplements .

A nutritionist teaches you how to eat your way to a better mood with natural nutrients.

To relax, eat more foods rich in tryptophan, Omega-3 , magnesium, B vitamins , and probiotics, such as bananas, deep-sea fish, yogurt, nuts, oats, and dark chocolate. These foods can help synthesize serotonin, stabilize blood sugar, and relieve stress.

• Bananas, eggs, milk, turkey, and soy products : are rich in tryptophan, an important raw material for producing the happy hormone serotonin.

• Nuts ( walnuts, pumpkin seeds ) : provide magnesium, which has a natural calming effect on the nervous system.
• Deep-sea fish ( salmon, mackerel ) : rich in Omega-3 , which helps reduce depression.
• High-purity EPA fish oil : It has significant anti-inflammatory and neurotransmitter-regulating effects. Studies have shown that daily intake of 1000-2000 mg or more of EPA for 8-12 weeks can effectively improve mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stabilize mood. It is a natural antidepressant supplement.
   

Therefore, adults with ADHD can take WHC UnoCardio®1000 Fish Oil or WHC UnoCardio® EPA, which contains high-purity EPA to soothe emotions. .

For children, WHC QuattrO3+PS  is recommended . It contains 90% pure Omega-3 in rTG form for easier absorption. The EPA : DHA ratio is 3 : 2 as recommended by experts . It contains 10% GLA (gamma - linolenic acid) extracted from evening primrose oil to help children build their own immune system. It also contains 40mg of phosphatidylserine ( Sharp PS ) to help maintain children's cell membrane health and concentration, and 400IU of vitamin D3 to increase bone density.

References :

1.       The global prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

J Affect Disord. 2023; 339:860-866

2.       Ayano, G. ∙ Tsegay, L. ∙ Gizachew, Y. ∙ et al.

Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: umbrella review of evidence generated across the globe

Psychiatry Res. 2023; 328, 115449

3.       Cortese, S. ∙ Adamo, N. ∙ Del Giovane, C. ∙ et al.

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Lancet Psychiatry. 2018; 5:727-738

4.Gimbach, S. ∙ Vogel, D. ∙ Fried, R. ∙ et al.

ADHD medicine consumption in Europe after COVID-19: catch-up or trend change?

BMC Psychiatry. 2024; 24:112