Thinking about switching to Supplements for ADHD/ASD

[Ambitiousmom]

Hi, does anyone have experience with Hardy Nutritional or Kids Mood +? I’m thinking about switching from meds to supplements since the meds have not been very helpful for my 6 y/o son who was diagnosed with ADHD and ASD. Thanks!

[Cjkchamp]

My son has used Hary Nutritionals DEN for four years. LOVE THEM!

[Ambitiousmom in reply to Cjkchamp]

Does he use the capsules or powder?

[Cjkchamp in reply to Ambitiousmom]

capsules

[Ambitiousmom in reply to Cjkchamp]

Sorry to ask so many questions but how old is he and how many capsules does he have to take? My son is 6 and does not quite understand the concept of swallowing pills.

[Cjkchamp in reply to Ambitiousmom]

Definitely takes getting used to. My son had already been on pill form ADHD meds since he was 5. He started Hardy just after his 7th birthday. Started with one pill twice per day. Then increased to two twice per day. Then two three times per day. This is where we saw a significant change. He is now at four three times per day. Is it a lot. Yes. Does he get tired of taking them. Yes. It has been a long time since suspensions, aggressive behavior, saying he wanted to die, and all of the many other things we experienced. He tends to forget, and I just remind him that his body doesn’t absorb vitamins the way other people do, and he needs them to stay healthy. On weekends and breaks I do let him skip afternoons and have not experienced a setback.

[Ambitiousmom in reply to Cjkchamp]

Oh ok, thanks so much for your transparency. What made you keep increasing the amount of pills and the frequency?

[MomofOne13 in reply to Ambitiousmom]

We also use Hardy Nutritionals DEN, and the general guidance is that the optimal dose for most kids is 4 capsules, three x a day (ie 12 a day). As Cjkchamp said, it's a lot, but I think my son is generally calmer on them than he is off. We worked our way up over the course of a week or 2. The website has a video on swallowing pills that may be helpful, and if you call the phone number they'll guide you through it all.

[Ambitiousmom in reply to MomofOne13]

Ok, thanks! Have you heard of Kids Mood+? It has saffron and it’s supposed to help with ADHD

[MomofOne13 in reply to Ambitiousmom]

I haven't, but I remember studies several years ago re saffron. I'm going to look it up.

[Ambitiousmom in reply to MomofOne13]

Ok, one more question, did your son ever have difficulties with sleep? My son is currently on Guanfacine and he wakes up at 3am/4am ever morning. I am just wondering if the supplements would help with that.

[MomofOne13 in reply to Ambitiousmom]

We did a few short med trials but they went really poorly (a lot of hysterics), so we landed on a DEN as a next best thing. So no sleep issues as he's not on anything else.

[Ambitiousmom in reply to MomofOne13]

Thanks so much for answering my many questions!

[Cjkchamp]

He was on meds. Psychiatrist steadily increased and we lowered meds until he was off meds. Full dose is 12 capsules per day. Some need less and some more.

[Ambitiousmom in reply to Cjkchamp]

That’s great that your psych worked with you on transiting to supplements instead of meds. My son’s psych has not even mentioned that. Have you heard of Kids Mood+?

[Cjkchamp]

I have not

[Cjkchamp]

psychiatrist only recommended Hardy or True Hope

[BStron in reply to Cjkchamp]

Does your son have RSD? Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. Just wondering if Hardy helps with that?

[Ambitiousmom]

Did your son ever have difficulties with sleep? My son is currently on Guanfacine and he wakes up at 3am/4am ever morning. I am just wondering if the supplements would help with that.

[Cjkchamp]

He does not. I would recommend you call them directly.

[Ambitiousmom in reply to Cjkchamp]

Thanks so much for all of your help!