ADHD Supplements: Do They Really Help?

review PMID: 40362791

ADHD Supplements: Do They Really Help?

Quick Summary: This research looked at whether supplements like L-theanine and caffeine could help with ADHD symptoms. The study found that these supplements, on their own or with ADHD medications, didn't significantly improve symptoms like focus and hyperactivity.

What The Research Found

This study didn't actually look at Ginkgo biloba. Instead, it focused on L-theanine and caffeine. The researchers found:

L-theanine and caffeine didn't significantly reduce ADHD symptoms compared to a placebo (a sugar pill). This was true whether people took them alone or with their ADHD medication.
Side effects were mild. People reported things like headaches and trouble sleeping, but these were similar to those experienced by people taking the placebo.

Study Details

Who was studied: The study looked at data from other studies involving 287 children and teenagers (ages 6-17), mostly boys, who had ADHD.
How long: The studies included in this review lasted between 6 and 12 weeks.
What they took: The research reviewed studies that tested L-theanine and caffeine.

What This Means For You

If you're considering supplements for ADHD, this research suggests:

L-theanine and caffeine may not be effective for managing ADHD symptoms.
Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're already taking medication. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks.
This study didn't look at Ginkgo biloba.

Study Limitations

This was a review of existing studies, not a new study. This means the results depend on the quality of the original research.
The study only looked at L-theanine and caffeine, not other supplements like Ginkgo biloba.
More research is needed to understand the potential of other supplements for ADHD.

Key Findings

This systematic review did not evaluate Ginkgo biloba for ADHD symptom management. The study explicitly assessed only L-theanine and caffeine (both individually and in combination) as non-stimulant supplements. Key conclusions indicated no statistically significant efficacy for L-theanine or caffeine in reducing core ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) compared to placebo, whether used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate). Safety profiles were favorable, with mild adverse events (e.g., headache, insomnia) reported at rates comparable to placebo.

Study Design

The study was a systematic review (not a primary clinical trial) adhering to PRISMA guidelines. It analyzed data from 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2010–2024, totaling 287 pediatric and adolescent participants (ages 6–17 years; 72% male). Studies included both stimulant-naïve patients and those using concurrent stimulant medication. Review methodology involved comprehensive database searches (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase), risk-of-bias assessment (Cochrane RoB 2.0), and meta-analysis where feasible. Duration of included trials ranged from 6–12 weeks.