Anti-Aging Research: Ritalin May Affect Children's Brain Development

Use of the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug Ritalin by young children may cause long-term changes in the developing brain, suggests a new study of very young rats by a research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

The study is among the first to probe the effects of Ritalin (methylphenidate) on the neurochemistry of the developing brain. This should serve as a warning for some and a reminder for others that powerful drugs may be approved for use, even by children, with very little testing. Between 2 to18 percent of American children are thought to be affected by ADHD, and Ritalin, a stimulant similar to amphetamine and cocaine, remains one of the most prescribed drugs for the behavioral disorder. No comment should even be needed here.

There are much safer alternatives such as increasing Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish and krill oil, decreasing Omega-6 oil from margarine, vegetable oils and processed foods (such as potato and tortilla chips, energy bars, fried foods and salad dressings), and the elimination of sugar from kids diets.

Read details of this Ritalin affected children's brain development study.