Is your child disruptive or aggressive?

They may have a deficiency of zinc or vitamin B.

Children and adolescents with behavioural disorders and aggressive behaviour are frequently malnourished. Those with certain nutritional deficiencies, such as those for zinc, iron, B vitamins and protein exhibit a 41% increase in aggressive behaviour by the age of 8, and by the age of 17 there is violent and antisocial behaviour in 51% (Am J Psychiatry 2004; 161: 2005-2013).

The deficiencies in the diet of these children resulted in abnormal development of the nervous system. Zinc is the single most common deficiency in the American population, with an estimated 80% of the whole population at risk. Zinc is important for many biological reactions and is especially significant in the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Zinc is also important in foetal development and specifically neurological function.

There is also evidence that iron deficiency may be an important contributor to the aggressive behavioral syndrome. Among adolescent males, iron deficiency has been shown to be directly associated with aggressive behaviour (J Special Educ 1974; 8: 153-6). Moreover, in a population of imprisoned adolescents, the prevalence of iron deficiency was nearly twice that found in their non-incarcerated peers.

Vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis or metabolism of practically all the neurotransmitters (chemicals which help to transmit messages in the nervous system). A deficiency of vitamin B6 causes symptoms such as tiredness, nervousness, irritability, depression and insomnia. So in susceptible individuals it’s read more