BACKGROUND
Learning disabilities fall into broad categories based on the four stages of information processing used in learning: input, integration, storage and output. Behaviour disorders go beyond typical mischief and rebellion. With behavior disorders, there is a pattern of hostile, aggressive or disruptive behaviors for more than 6 months.
According to Dr. Abram Hoffer's ABC of Natural Nutrition for Children many learning and behavioural disorders are a result of insufficient nutrition to the brain. Some of these factors include toxic metal poisoning of soft tissues, an impaired ability to manage glucose, and food and environmental allergies.
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
The orthomolecular approach offers potential hope for many forms of learning disabilities. If food allergies or nutrient deficiencies are suspected in behaviour disorders, an orthomolecular therapist might take a full dietary history and place the patient on an elimination diet.
Orthomolecular treatment would examine the following areas:
Overconsumption of sugar and refined flour
Gestational and early childhood nutrition
Appropriate food supplements
Exposure to food additives
Food sensitivities and allergies
Toxic exposure (especially in cities with pollution)
Orthomolecular treatment of learning disabilities and behavioral disorders could include the use of the following supplements:
A multi-vitamin tablet not containing copper
Vitamin B3 (as niacinamide or inositol hexaniacinate)
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid)
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Zinc
Selenium
Calcium and Magnesium
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 8, 2007. Vitamin
Supplements Help Protect Children from Heavy Metals, Reduce Behavioral
Disorders. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v03n07.shtml
Saul AW. Taking the cure: The pioneering work of Ruth Flinn Harrell, champion of children. J Orthomolecular Med, 2004. Vol 19, No 1, p. 21-26. http://www.doctoryourself.com/downs.html
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007
Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Werbach, Melvyn. "Nutritional Influences on Aggressive Behaviour." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Healing Children's Attention & Behavior Disorders: Complementary Nutritional & Psychological Treatments. Toronto: CCNM Press Inc, 2004.
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Healing Children's Attention and Behavior Disorders: Toronto: CCNM Press Inc, 2005.