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Drug Nutrient Depletion Guide

ADHD Stimulant Medications: What It Depletes and How to Replenish

ADHD Stimulant Medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta) is associated with clinically documented depletion of 2 key nutrients. Below you'll find the mechanism, clinical evidence, and evidence-based replenishment protocols for each.

This page is educational content based on published clinical trials. All supplement recommendations should be discussed with your prescribing physician before implementation. Evidence ratings follow the same RCT-first methodology used across the full Evidence Based Longevity database.
2 Documented Depletions · RCT Evidence
1
Zinc
Moderate Depletion Risk
How It Depletes

Stimulant medications increase dopamine/norepinephrine turnover, which increases demand for zinc as a co-factor in catecholamine metabolism.

Clinical Evidence

Arnold et al. (1990) — zinc supplementation improved ADHD symptoms and reduced stimulant dose requirement

Symptoms of Deficiency

Reduced stimulant efficacy, mood instability, immune effects

Evidence-Based Replenishment

Zinc bisglycinate 15–30mg daily.

View on Fullscript: Thorne Zinc Picolinate 15mg

Discuss with your physician before adjusting supplementation. This is educational content, not medical advice.

2
Magnesium
Moderate Depletion Risk
How It Depletes

Stimulants increase sympathetic nervous system activity, increasing magnesium utilization and urinary excretion.

Clinical Evidence

Mousain-Bosc et al. (2006) — magnesium + B6 improved ADHD symptoms with stimulant therapy

Symptoms of Deficiency

Anxiety, sleep disruption, muscle tension, irritability

Evidence-Based Replenishment

Magnesium glycinate 200–300mg in the evening.

View on Fullscript: Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate

Discuss with your physician before adjusting supplementation. This is educational content, not medical advice.

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