Supplement library

Educational information only. Never start, stop or dose a supplement without your child's clinician — several interact with medication.

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

Strong evidence

Possible benefits

Studied for attention and hyperactivity
Supports brain cell membranes
Anti-inflammatory

Possible risks

Fishy burps
Mild GI upset
Blood-thinning at high doses

Age range: 1 year and above, dose by weight
Suggested timing: With a fat-containing meal
Possible medication interactions: Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin)

Magnesium Glycinate

Moderate evidence

Possible benefits

Gentle on the stomach
Studied for sleep onset and irritability
Muscle relaxation

Possible risks

Drowsiness
Loose stools at high doses

Age range: 3 years and above
Suggested timing: Evening, 1h before bed
Possible medication interactions: Some antibiotics, thyroid medication (space 2–4h)

Magnesium L-Threonate

Emerging evidence

Possible benefits

Crosses the blood-brain barrier well
Explored for memory and focus

Possible risks

Higher cost
Headache in some children

Age range: Usually adolescents and above
Suggested timing: Evening
Possible medication interactions: As above

Zinc

Moderate evidence

Possible benefits

Taste perception (may help selective eating)
Immune function
Studied in ADHD

Possible risks

Nausea if taken without food
Copper depletion with long use

Age range: 1 year and above
Suggested timing: With food
Possible medication interactions: Iron, antibiotics

Iron

Strong evidence

Possible benefits

Corrects deficiency linked with restless sleep and inattention

Possible risks

Constipation, dark stools
Overdose is dangerous — test first

Age range: Only after blood test, any age
Suggested timing: Empty stomach with vitamin C
Possible medication interactions: Calcium, zinc, tea

Vitamin D3

Strong evidence

Possible benefits

Bone health
Immune support
Widely studied in ASD populations

Possible risks

Toxicity at very high long-term doses

Age range: Infancy and above
Suggested timing: Morning with fat
Possible medication interactions: Some diuretics, steroids

Vitamin B Complex

Moderate evidence

Possible benefits

Energy metabolism
B6/B12 support neurotransmitter pathways

Possible risks

Bright yellow urine
Overstimulation in sensitive children

Age range: 4 years and above
Suggested timing: Morning
Possible medication interactions: Certain epilepsy medications

Probiotics

Moderate evidence

Possible benefits

Gut microbiome diversity
Studied for constipation and GI comfort

Possible risks

Temporary bloating
Caution if immunocompromised

Age range: Infancy and above (strain-specific)
Suggested timing: Consistent daily time
Possible medication interactions: Antibiotics (space 2h)

Prebiotics (GOS/FOS)

Emerging evidence

Possible benefits

Feed beneficial bacteria
Support stool regularity

Possible risks

Gas and bloating — increase slowly

Age range: 1 year and above
Suggested timing: With meals
Possible medication interactions: None significant

Digestive Enzymes

Limited evidence

Possible benefits

May ease bloating after mixed meals

Possible risks

Mouth irritation
Evidence in ASD is mixed

Age range: 3 years and above
Suggested timing: First bite of a meal
Possible medication interactions: Diabetes medication (rare)

L-Theanine

Emerging evidence

Possible benefits

Calm alertness
Small trials on sleep quality in boys with ADHD

Possible risks

Headache
Low blood pressure rarely

Age range: 6 years and above
Suggested timing: Morning or after school
Possible medication interactions: Stimulant medication (discuss with prescriber)

Saffron Extract

Emerging evidence

Possible benefits

Small trials comparable to methylphenidate for some ADHD symptoms
Mood support

Possible risks

Expensive
Avoid high doses

Age range: 6 years and above
Suggested timing: With meals
Possible medication interactions: Antidepressants

Melatonin

Strong evidence

Possible benefits

Reduces sleep-onset latency in ASD/ADHD
Well-studied short-term

Possible risks

Morning grogginess
Vivid dreams
Not a substitute for sleep routines

Age range: Discuss with clinician; commonly 3+ years
Suggested timing: 30–60 min before bed
Possible medication interactions: Sedatives, some epilepsy medication