Supplements to boost serotonin levels in children?

[lljkk]

DS (8) is my PITA child. Eg: very angry shouting, aggressive & bad-tempered first thing in the morning, or any time he's hungry. Feeding usually sorts him out; personality may well flip to cuddley & smiley after feeding. I strongly suspect he's mild ADHD (hyper-impulse type).

I have 3 other children who are not consistent horrors when hungry, especially in morning.

Googling suggests that serotonin levels may be issue with his anger-aggression, talk of using L-tryptophan supplements for adults with Aggression-Hostility-Anger syndrome, or as a general help for children with ADHD.

Talk of dangers of L-trytophan supplements, but that seems to be down to contamination from a specific supplier, & high dosages, back in 1989.

I don't want to try anything too clever with biochemistry, I was just thinking about giving a small dose (220mg), each evening, over 3 months. See if it helps with morning mood, anyway.

I have looked at other options: fish oil or general diet changes, either tried or doesn't seem right way forward.

Anyone given L-tryptophan supplements to their child? Any thoughts?

Left/Tryptophan is Not the answer.We used to take Mega-supplements for
our Health because we Worked-out all of the time.Serotonin and "Tryp" will
cause a person to have a very "Floaty,Ethereal" feeling...Stare into space,and
See the world as if Looking through very Thick Glass.Side-effects that are Not
desirable in our Fast and modern world,fraught with Dangers.One must Always
Be Alert. Suggest that a Dietician is consulted, so that the wee ones will get
a balanced Diet.Wait for results (3 months my Doc says); Then off to the
doctor they go, for tests(blood,sugar) and such.Luck to you All! Jill.

hmmm.

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Just thought I'd share that it's working. The supplements, I mean. I reckon DS mood 80% improved. I am about it. I will update again if any change.

Where'd you get them from, OP?

This one. Not cheap. I've been giving him 150mg near to bedtime, will try going to 50mg/night.

I bet it's cheaper online from other brands, I'd like to keep the same co-supplements in whatever product I might try instead (Vit. B6, Niacin, Magnesium). I'm not looking just yet, though. Whole thing might be a fluke.

Honestly, why would you mess around with supplements that alter Serotonin or brain biochemistry in any way?

If DS is that badly behaved or low in mood you need to consult a doctor. Just because something is sold as a supplement or 'natural' doesn't mean it is safe. The one you admit to giving him even states NOT FOR UNDER 18's on the website.

Seriously, DR Google is useful for researching information about illnesses/diseases but shouldn't be used to self diagnose and self prescribe, especially not in an 8 yr old. Christ.

Thanks. Easily available then, assuming H&B restock it.

I hear your note of caution, thanks, plus japple's advice.

(And I also hear your report of 80% mood improvement).

I shall mull this over a bit.....

agree with all that LongTimeLurking said.

Go to the Gp, ask to be referred, don't give him dodgy tablets from the internet!

A year ago a mum raised the thread asking whether anyone had found a way of boosting their child's serotonin levels using natural remedies - any results out there worth sharing? I Hate to say it, but I think my son is a depressive - he struggles to get up in the morning, procrastinates on anything needing to be done, gets overwhelmed by small tasks and thinks shouting and rolling around on the floor will solve the problem! It's all a bit alarming, but aside from the odd behaviour he's a lovely boy, and I would really welcome some advice in the hope of finding a way forward to make his life more enjoyable - thanks in advance!

Seratonin levels are boosted by tomatoes, chocolate and sunshine. Therefore exposure to all three seems reasonable.