> See, my terrible lecture on ADHD suggested several reasons for the increasing prevalence of the disease. Of these I remember two: the spiritual desert of modern adolescence, and insufficient iron in the diet. And I remember thinking "Man, I hope itβs the iron one, because that seems a lot easier to fix."
The discovery that we can dramatically reduce mortality by the relatively straightforward solution of using pots and pans that don't contain lead is a cause for excitement. Compare that to the solutions like "convince people to exercise more and eat less (or less tasty) food". We know how to make our dishes lead-free!
Wow. How does one develop an iron deficiency in America? Bread and breakfast cereals are fortified with it and it's in multivitamins, eggs, pasta, most meats, and even some chocolate. I get spinach and peas aren't for everyone, but how does one end up with a deficiency in iron when it's added to the trashiest of food?
(We shit on it now, but maybe this is why the "food pyramid" was shaped so contrary to current sensibilities? Or maybe it's a potassium deficiency mislabeled as something else.)
Women literally lose iron every few weeks, and many plants contain anti nutrients (phytic acid) that bind to metals, reducing their absorption, such as beans.
In general though, I wouldn't place the blame on plants, but on the low quality, highly processed diet the average person consumes.
I have ADHD, and I've noticed symptoms of low iron whenever I stray from my very low carb diet: restless legs, low energy, ADHD symptoms getting worse. Note that iron is a necessary component for the synthesis of dopamine. Given that I take amphetamine-based stimulants, which increase dopamine release as well as inhibiting reuptake, I might need a little more iron that usual.
> and many plants contain anti nutrients (phytic acid) that bind to metals, reducing their absorption, such as beans.
Also a good point, and will come back to it--
> I have ADHD, and I've noticed symptoms of low iron whenever I stray from my very low carb diet: restless legs, low energy, ADHD symptoms getting worse. Note that iron is a necessary component for the synthesis of dopamine.
Right. You make an excellent test candidate then-- is this speculative or have you actually tested your iron levels during those times?
I'd again question whether what you're feeling there might actually be a potassium/magnesium problem. You say "symptoms of low iron," and that's true in fact-- but it may only be low because you're consuming but not absorbing enough of it. I doubt you have much of an appetite.
Assuming you aren't bleeding out from gunshot trauma or menses, the next time you're feeling symptoms of what you're attributing to low iron, try eating a daily banana (or take prenatal vitamins or something).
> See, my terrible lecture on ADHD suggested several reasons for the increasing prevalence of the disease. Of these I remember two: the spiritual desert of modern adolescence, and insufficient iron in the diet. And I remember thinking "Man, I hope itβs the iron one, because that seems a lot easier to fix."
The discovery that we can dramatically reduce mortality by the relatively straightforward solution of using pots and pans that don't contain lead is a cause for excitement. Compare that to the solutions like "convince people to exercise more and eat less (or less tasty) food". We know how to make our dishes lead-free!
[0] https://slatestarcodex.com/2014/09/10/society-is-fixed-biolo...