152: Zinc for ADHD: The Missing Link with Dana Kay

Did you know that 95% of children with ADHD may be missing one critical nutrient that affects mood, sleep, sensory processing, and picky eating? In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, ADHD health practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute, takes a deep dive into zinc deficiency—a common but often overlooked factor in ADHD symptoms. She explains how low zinc disrupts dopamine, worsens hyperactivity, and even creates a vicious cycle of picky eating by altering taste perception.

Dana also breaks down simple ways to check for zinc deficiency, including an easy at-home taste test, and shares the best food sources and supplements to restore zinc balance. Plus, she explains the zinc-copper connection, why high copper levels can lead to more meltdowns, and how to test your child’s zinc levels accurately. If you want to help your child thrive naturally, this episode is packed with actionable insights and science-backed strategies to get started!

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Episode on Picky Eating & Zinc - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-151/
• Zinc Cheat Sheet - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplement-for-adhd-zinc
• My Favorite Place to Buy Supplements - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/supplement
• Favorite Zinc Supplement – https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/zinc-liquid-15-mg-120-ml.html  

Supplementation Series Episodes:

• Magnesium - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-93/
• Saffron - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-136/
• GABA - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-137/
• L-Theanine - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-142/
• Bio Essentials - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-144/
• Omegas - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-146/
• Iron - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-148/
• Vitamin D -  https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/podcast/soaring-child-episode-150/

Zinc Assay Test for Zinc Deficiency – A simple at-home test to check for zinc levels - https://amzn.to/3QEyKoq

Zinc Deficiency Chart:

 

Key Takeaways:
[0:52] How Zinc Deficiency Affects Mood, Sleep, & Sensory Processing
[4:09] The Zinc-Copper Seesaw: Why It Matters
[6:04] Signs Your Child May Be Zinc Deficient
[9:16] The At-Home Zinc Assay Taste Test
[9:59] Best Natural Sources of Zinc
[10:49] Recommended Zinc Supplements & Dosage Guidelines
[12:39] How to Test Zinc L