Effects of Iron Supplementation on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children Treated with Methylphenidate

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of iron on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, treated with methylphenidate. Methods: This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 50 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder under the treatment of methylphenidate, with ferritin levels below 30 ng/ml and absence of anemia. They were randomly assigned into two groups of ferrous sulfate and placebo, for 12 weeks. Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) was used to assess the outcome in the first, sixth, and twelfth weeks. Results: Almost all CPRS subscales improved in the ferrous sulfate group from the baseline to the endpoint, although only the changes in conduct subscale scores were significant (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in score changes between two groups in intergroup comparison. Also, the score of learning problems (p = 0.007) in the first six weeks, and conduct (p = 0.023) and psychosomatic (p = 0.018) subscales in the second six weeks were improved in the ferrous sulfate group compared with the placebo group. Conclusion: Our study showed promising effects of iron supplementation in the improvement of subscales of the CPRS.

Effect of 25 hydroxyvitamin D on attention deficit and hyperactivity in school-age children with ADHD

“…What is the reason? Domestic and foreign research results on micronutrients other than VitD suggest that the imbalance of vitamin A (VitA), VitD, vitamin B2 (VitB2), vitamin B6 (VitB6), vitamin B12 (VitB12), folic acid, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and other micronutrients are also correlated with ADHD, [ 27 , 28 ] and DA is the most active neurotransmitter among catecholamines. Three dopaminergic pathways in the brain have been proven to be related to the pathogenesis of ADHD: mesolimbic, mesocortal and substantia nigrostriatum pathways.…”

“…This is consistent with foreign scholars’ thinking of mineral supplementation for the treatment of mental disorders. [ 28 ]…”

“…This is consistent with foreign scholars' thinking of mineral supplementation for the treatment of mental disorders. [28] In the next study, we will classify school-age children with ADHD (inattentive type, hyperactive type and mixed type). To further study the different neurotransmitter pathways (DA, NE, etc.)…”