Zinc deficiency is far too common today, especially in our children. This may be due to a poor diet, a genetic disorder called pyroluria (25% of kids with ADHD have this) or just plain malabsorption. Low zinc levels have been linked to behavioral disorders such as ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and aggression in children/teens. Before putting your child on Ritalin or a stimulant drug with countless side effects, just do a simple blood test to determine your child's zinc levels. Along with this you should test copper levels. Elevated copper is related to lower levels of dopamine and higher levels of nor-epinephrine (the stress hormone). These fluctuations in neurotransmitters lead to cognitive/behavioral issues and learning disorders.