Can Pre-Workout Supplements Help ADHD? (Expert Advice)

What Is ADHD? (Overview & Symptoms Explained)

ADHD, also known as Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common brain developmental disorders in children.

This disorder is often first diagnosed in childhood and can last into adulthood if left untreated. In some cases, it can also be diagnosed in adults without prior ADHD.

Those suffering from this disorder may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or being overly active.

Risk Factors For ADHD

Current research shows that genetics plays a vital role in causing ADHD.[1]

However, further study is required to pinpoint the actual causes and risk factors of this disorder to help find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person getting one.

Apart from genetics, where scientists are studying these other possible causes and risk factors, including

One important thing to remember is that popularly held views about the causes of ADHD aren't supported by research.

These views include watching too much TV, overeating sugar, parenting, and social and environmental factors such as family problems or poverty.

Of course, these situations can affect the health of most people and can make symptoms worse for people with ADHD.

But the evidence isn't strong enough to believe that they are the leading causes of the disorder.

Symptoms Of ADHD

Children with ADHD have a shorter attention span and tend to have trouble focusing and behaving in various situations.

While it's normal for kids to experience these, those with this disorder never outgrow this behavior.

In some cases, the symptoms lessen as they age, but some adults continue to have these symptoms, which can cause difficulty in their day-to-day lives.

Symptoms of ADHD may include but are not limited to:

Unfortunately, many adults who have ADHD are not aware that they have it--they know that doing their everyday tasks is a challenge.

If you think you have ADHD, it's best to speak with specialists and ask them how you can cope with the disorder instead of self-medicating.

Will Taking Pre-Workout Help People With ADHD?

Pre-workout stimulants are known to give you more energy and help improve focus. However, it won't directly help your condition.

If you feel like you're suffering from it because you experience symptoms from this condition, it's best to speak with your doctor to find out if you are suffering from this illness or not.

The first step to treating this condition is to acknowledge you have one.

So, if you work out frequently at home or in the gym, you've probably heard of the benefits of pre-workout, not only to your body but your mind as well.

Pre-workouts are energy drinks--they improve your endurance and mental capacity, allowing you to go through strenuous workouts easily.

This might give the impression that it can help you with ADHD. Well, it's not as beneficial as you think it is.

A pre-workout can help your ADHD and hyperactivity by stimulating your brain's dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine production.

Still, it doesn't target any symptoms nor provide a cure for the condition. At the same time, exercises can calm the mild, but the effects are temporary compared to ADHD medication.

If you are currently taking medication for your ADHD, it's best to consult your doctor about how to approach using a pre-workout.

Since ADHD medications are already stimulants, mixing them with others can be dangerous.

For example, taking both pre-workout and your ADHD medication, like Adderall, can be harmful to your body since most supplements come with some form of caffeine, a known stimulant.

Learn More - Can You Take Adderall And Pre-Workout Together?

If you take more than one stimulant, you can increase stress on your heart and may cause heart problems.

In severe cases, it might lead to a heart attack or stroke, especially for those suffering from high blood pressure or a history of heart problems.

Again, doctors or pharmacists can help you understand the best way to drink pre-workouts while on ADHD medications.

That's why it's best to consult with your doctor so you can determine your risk of drug-drug interaction.

Being open to your medical team can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle or support your weight loss journey in the safest way possible.

Learn More - Stimulant Vs Non-Stimulant Pre-Workout (Which Should You Try?)

The Real Impact Of Pre-Workout On Individuals With ADHD

Pre-workout can boost your concentration and, therefore, may help individuals diagnosed with ADHD get into their training regimen easier and motivate them during their workout.

But the impact of pre-workouts on people with ADHD stops there--further studies are needed to ensure the benefits of pre-workouts on ADHD conditions.

This means that if you want to treat ADHD, you need to have proper medication.

Pre-workouts may supplement their effects, given that you've talked to your doctor about mixing those two drugs.

A pre-workout is known to help increase dopamine levels in your brain, improving mental and brain function. It also has caffeine and L-tyrosine, which provides individuals with ADHD diagnosis the focus they need on everyday tasks.

Learn More - Can You Take Pre-Workout Without Working Out?

Benefits Of Exercising For Those With ADHD

If you have ADHD, eating the right food, drinking the proper medications, and pre-workout drinks can help you get into the habit of working out regularly.

As a result, you'll be fit, and most people will reap the benefits of exercising, which include:

How To Choose The Right Pre-Workout If You Have ADHD

If you are looking for the best pre-workout for ADHD, here are some of the components you need to look at that will give you the concentration and energy you need to exercise:

Creatinine

This muscle stimulant can help cognition by improving energy supply and neuroprotection.[2]

This means that increasing your creatinine levels can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD by providing you with more energy supply to your brain so that it can function well.

Caffeine

This stimulant is known to improve alertness in those who consume them. Caffeine use in ADHD patients is known to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve cognitive performance.[3]

That's why many researchers are now looking at the effects of caffeine as a pharmacological tool in treating adult ADHD.

Magnesium

This mineral is the gatekeeper of NMDA receptors, which are involved in developing a healthy brain, memory, and learning. It helps calm the mind and improve focus and cognitive function.[4]

Vitamin D

Supplements with vitamins have been found to improve ADHD symptoms such as lack of concentration, behavioral performance, and restlessness, especially in children with this condition.[5]

Learn More - What Should You Look For In Pre-Workout?

Pre-Workout and ADHD FAQs

Does caffeine energize people with ADHD?

Some studies have found that caffeine can help improve the concentration of people diagnosed with ADHD.

It mimics some of the effects of other stimulants used to treat ADHD. However, caffeine can have a disruptive impact on your sleep.

Does excess caffeine aggravate ADHD?

It depends on the individual, but some effects of caffeine can worsen some symptoms of ADHD. For example, ADHD can cause insomnia and anxiety, which are also side effects of caffeine.

Can pre-workout supplements cause mental issues?

Some components of a pre-workout, like caffeine, can activate the central nervous system, enhancing brain function for a better workout.

Learn More - Does Pre-Workout Cause Anxiety?

Conclusion

Pre-workouts are energy drinks--they help you get the energy you need for your exercises. If you prefer to get an extra boost of energy before working out, this supplement is a great option.

However, if you're drinking ADHD medications, you should consult your doctor before buying any pre-workouts.

Personally, we think they can help improve your workout performance, but it's not for every individual, especially those with health conditions.

References: 

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33549739/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556518300263?via%3Dihub
3. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/11/3788
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024559/
5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1060028018759471