On February 24^th, 2005, the editors of the journal Cancer Letters released and early, online version of their journal.  It advises us of a study at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston that found that every one of 12 children treated for ADD/ADHD with methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Ritalin, experienced a threefold increase in levels of chromosome abnormalities of the type typically associated with increased risks of cancer and other damaging health effects.

The researchers were startled to note that all of the children experienced the chromosome damage only three months after taking the drug.  The researchers went on to say that to their knowledge, this is the first study done examining the link between methylphenidate and its potential chromosome-damaging effects.

They decided to do the study because even though methylphenidate has been approved for use in humans for more than 50 years, “there are surprisingly few studies” in either humans or animals “on the potential for serious side effects,” such as chromosome damage and cancer.

In the new study, researchers drew blood from children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD before taking methylphenidate in order to get a baseline level of chromosomal structure.  Three months after they began taking normal therapeutic doses of the drug, all 12 children in the study had blood taken again.

“It was pretty surprising that all of the children taking methylphenidate showed an increase in chromosome abnormalities in a relatively short period of time,” said lead researcher Rands El-Zein, M.D., Ph.D.  Most of the damage found was chromosome breaks “and a higher frequency of (chromosome) aberrations is reported to be associated with an increased risk of cancer down the line.”

While this does not mean that the children will get cancer, it does expose them to an additional risk factor.  Methylphenidate is the most widely used class of amphetamine-like drugs to treat ADD/ADHD.  Methylphenidate use skyrocketed by more that 500% between 1991 and 1999.

Results of 2 separate studies reveal that hyperactivity and other behavioral conditions respond well to chiropractic care and even exceed results from medications.

Many ADD/ADHD children are allergic to foods on a sub-clinical level.  In other words, they don’t show the classic allergic symptoms of hives, itching, runny nose, etc.  Instead, they exhibit behavioral disorders in the form of ADD/ADHD.  Do a food elimination test and see if your child’s behavior improves.

Monday April 10^th Arthritis seminar 6pm, please call for a reservation .  For every two guests that you bring, we’ll treat you to a gift certificate for massage.

Saturday April 8^th, I will be participating in the YMCA healthy kid’s day.