Wellness firms are exploiting a national shortage of ADHD medication to push so-called “smart supplements” as an alternative to prescribed drugs.

As patients struggle to get hold of medication – or face years-long waits for NHS assessments – companies are peddling unproved products as a “natural” treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In some cases the supplements are being marketed for use in children as young as three. In other cases they are promoted to young people via ADHD “influencers” on Instagram and TikTok, or advertised by salespeople in Facebook support groups. The claims made about their benefits include that they can improve focus, increase memory, banish brain fog and boost brain power.

Health experts said that the claims lack any robust evidence and could give patients and their families false hope.