Chemical Imbalances and ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to many sources, is the most prevalent of all childhood neuropsychiatric conditions and the incidence is increasing. Research has shown a definitive link between exposures to manganese toxicity, both prenatally and through infant formulas, and the development of ADHD. The principal source of manganese, an essential mineral, is through the diet, and any excess amounts are excreted via the bile. However, neonatal manganese absorption is greater than in adults as their system has not achieved a mature homeostasis. Infant formulas, both milk-based and soy-based have manganese content far greater than that found in breast milk. In research studies neonatal animals and rodents exposed to manganese in high concentrations, equivalent to that found in commercially available infant formula, showed decreased brain dopamine as well as behavior deficits similar to those of ADHD children.
The Violence Research Foundation created the Mothers’ Awareness Project in California to inform society about the hazards inherent with ingesting excess manganese through infant formulas.
The following studies, interview, and articles provide more information.
Studies
Reduced Violent Behavior Following Biochemical Therapy
Dr. William Walsh
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ViewHead hair samples from individuals with violent histories in Statesville Penitentiary exhibited "weird" metal patterns. One of the metals found in these head hair samples, in excess of normal, was manganese.
Power Point Presentation on ADHD and Toxic manganese Exposure
Dr Frank Crinella
ViewDr. Frank Crinella of the University of California, Irvine is one of the pioneer research scientists investigating the link between ADHD and toxic manganese exposure. In this copy of his power point presentation he shares knowledge gained from both rodent & primate studies of the affects of excessive manganese exposure on brain/cognitive function. Slide #26 is a striking graphic illustrating the vast differences in infant dietary intake of manganese in breast milk, milk formula & soy formula. He also explains the vital connection between Iron (Fe), the most common nutritional deficiency world-wide, and manganese. Excessive manganese exposure inhibits iron absorption. Iron deficiency directly impairs behavioral and intellectual performance.
Beginning with slide #71, Dr. Crinella presents Dr. Jon Ericson’s “Tooth Fairy” project, as it has come to be called. The “Tooth Fairy” project describes the possible affects of toxic manganese exposure to the unborn child during pregnancy. The conclusion of this study: “A link was demonstrated between prenatal manganese absorption, as reflected in manganese in tooth enamel tracing back to the 20th gestational week, and measures of behavioral disinhibition in later childhood”.
Prenatal manganese levels linked to childhood behavioral disinhibition
Jonathan Ericson, et al
ViewThis study, led by Dr. Jonathan Ericson, has been nicknamed the “Tooth Fairy” Study. Their conclusion: although manganese is an essential mineral, high concentrations of the metal can result in a neurotoxic syndrome affecting dopamine balance and behavior control. There research demonstrated an association between manganese deposits in tooth enamel, dating to the 20th and 62-64th gestational weeks, and childhood behavioral outcomes. Children with higher concentration of manganese in their tooth enamel showed marked disinhibition in their behavior.
Articles
Baby teeth measure link between heavy metal, hyperactivity in UC Irvine study
Karen Morris, Today@UCI
September 26, 2005
View ArticleIn a study lead by Dr. Jonathon Ericson of the University of California at Irvine, baby teeth may hold the key to a better understanding of the link between toxic exposure to manganese and other toxic metals and certain neurological disorders such as ADHD.
Manganese Madness
Dr. David Goodman
ViewThe problem of infant exposure to excessive manganese, present in infant soy-based formulas, was identified over 15 years ago and still persists. Research suggesting a link between behavioral and learning problems later in life to the ingestion of infant formulas with much higher manganese content than mother’s breast milk, were presented at a toxic metals conference. The conference, organized by Dr. Jonathon Ericson, was held at the University of California, Irvine in September, 2000. Two conclusions emerged from the conference, first, the need to educate the public about the potential dangers posed by the formula now fed to infants and second, to accelerate studies on the effects of toxic metals on the brain and on human behavior.
Interviews
Interview with Dr. William Walsh
Dr. William Walsh
ViewDr William Walsh is the current director of the Walsh Research Institute.
He serves on the advisory board for The Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy. (ACN), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to exploring advanced and alternative non-toxic treatments for: anxiety, autism, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, tics and Tourette syndrome, and learning disabilities. In this interview from ACN’s newsletter, ”Latitudes”, Dr. Walsh describes the biochemical therapy he has developed as a “correction of innate or acquired chemical imbalances using amino acids, minerals and other biochemicals naturally present in the body”. In his work with thousand of patients and in research studies the biochemical therapy has significantly reduced and/or eliminated symptoms of behavior disorders such as autism, ADHD, and violence.
