How to identify a nutrient deficiency
Symptom: Poor attention span or the craving to chew ice.
Possible deficiency: Iron.
Low stores of iron (ferritin) may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Iron is needed to make the brain chemical dopamine, necessary for focus.
What to eat: Lean beef, spinach, dark chocolate, cashews, fortified cereal.
Supplement with: 12-60 mg daily for deficiency, based on age.