Effect of Micronutrients on Behavior and Mood in Adults With ADHD: Evidence From an 8-Week Open Label Trial With Natural Extension

Rucklidge, Julia J.; Taylor, Mairin; Whitehead, Kathryn A.

doi:10.1177/1087054709356173

Cited by 41 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 75 publications

(72 reference statements)

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“…The results are consistent with other published studies using this same micronutrient formula with adults with bipolar disorder [31] and adults with both mood dysregulation and ADHD [34]. …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Database analysis of children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder consuming a micronutrient formula

2010

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BackgroundEleven previous reports have shown potential benefit of a 36-ingredient micronutrient formula (known as EMPowerplus) for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms. The current study asked whether children (7-18 years) with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) benefited from this same micronutrient formula; the impact of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on their response was also evaluated.MethodsData were available from an existing database for 120 children whose parents reported a diagnosis of PBD; 79% were taking psychiatric medications that are used to treat mood disorders; 24% were also reported as ADHD. Using Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF), data were analyzed from 3 to 6 months of micronutrient use.ResultsAt LOCF, mean symptom severity of bipolar symptoms was 46% lower than baseline (effect size (ES) = 0.78) (p < 0.001). In terms of responder status, 46% experienced >50% improvement at LOCF, with 38% still taking psychiatric medication (52% drop from baseline) but at much lower levels (74% reduction in number of medications being used from baseline). The results were similar for those with both ADHD and PBD: a 43% decline in PBD symptoms (ES = 0.72) and 40% in ADHD symptoms (ES = 0.62). An alternative sample of children with just ADHD symptoms (n = 41) showed a 47% reduction in symptoms from baseline to LOCF (ES = 1.04). The duration of reductions in symptom severity suggests that benefits were not attributable to placebo/expectancy effects. Similar findings were found for younger and older children and for both sexes.ConclusionsThe data are limited by the open label nature of the study, the lack of a control group, and the inherent self-selection bias. While these data cannot establish efficacy, the results are consistent with a growing body of research suggesting that micronutrients appear to have therapeutic benefit for children with PBD with or without ADHD in the absence of significant side effects and may allow for a reduction in psychiatric medications while improving symptoms. The consistent reporting of positive changes across multiple sites and countries are substantial enough to warrant a call for randomized clinical trials using micronutrients.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Database analysis of children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder consuming a micronutrient formula

2010

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“…Preliminary case studies and open-label trials have been conducted in youths and adults as well as one animal study 14 with this micronutrient supplement. Results suggest benefit for improving mood symptoms, [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] self-injurious behavior, 19 hyperactivity/ impulsivity, 19,22,23 inattention, 23 and anxiety. 15,16,[21][22][23] These studies suggest that EMP + may provide either a primary or adjunctive treatment with a more favorable risk-benefit ratio for children suffering from BPSD than currently available pharmacologic interventions.…”

Section: Dietary Supplementation and Mental Healthmentioning

confidence: 97%

Feasibility of a Nutritional Supplement as Treatment for Pediatric Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

Frazier

Fristad

Arnold

2012

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

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“…For example, the symptoms of depression, fatigue and irritability are known to precede the overt physical symptoms of the vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy ( 2 , 3 ) . Individuals afflicted with various mental disorders, such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder, as well as stress, have shown significant improvement in their symptoms, including improved or stabilised mood, following supplementation with multivitamin and mineral formulas ( 4 – 6 ) . Even apparently healthy individuals exhibited improved mental functioning and mood following supplementation with these formulas ( 7 – 10 ) .…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Mood improvement in young adult males following supplementation with gold kiwifruit, a high-vitamin C food

et al. 2013

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Enhanced intakes of fruit and vegetables have been associated with improved psychological well-being. We investigated the potential mood-enhancing effects of kiwifruit, a fruit rich in vitamin C and a number of other important micronutrients. Young adult males (n 35) were supplemented with either half or two kiwifruit/d for 6 weeks. Profile of Mood States questionnaires were completed at baseline and following the intervention. No effect on overall mood was observed in the half a kiwifruit/d group; however, a 35 % (P = 0·06) trend towards a decrease in total mood disturbance and a 32 % (P = 0·063) trend towards a decrease in depression were observed in the two kiwifruit/d group. Subgroup analysis indicated that participants with higher baseline mood disturbance exhibited a significant 38 % (P = 0·029) decrease in total mood disturbance, as well as a 38 % (P = 0·048) decrease in fatigue, 31 % (P = 0·024) increase in vigour and a 34 % (P = 0·075) trend towards a decrease in depression, following supplementation with two kiwifruit/d. There was no effect of two kiwifruit/d on the mood scores of participants with lower baseline mood disturbance. Dietary intakes and body status of specific micronutrients indicated a significant increase in the participants' vitamin C intakes and corresponding plasma levels of the vitamin. The results indicate that enhanced intake of kiwifruit by individuals with moderate mood disturbance can improve overall mood.

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Effect of Micronutrients on Behavior and Mood in Adults With ADHD: Evidence From an 8-Week Open Label Trial With Natural Extension

Abstract: Although this study, as an open trial, does not in itself prove efficacy, it provides preliminary evidence supporting the need for a randomized clinical trial of micronutrients as treatment for the more complex presentations of ADHD.

Cited by 41 publications

References 75 publications

Database analysis of children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder consuming a micronutrient formula

Database analysis of children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder consuming a micronutrient formula

Feasibility of a Nutritional Supplement as Treatment for Pediatric Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

Mood improvement in young adult males following supplementation with gold kiwifruit, a high-vitamin C food

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