Magnesium Status in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess serum, hair, and urinary magnesium (Mg) levels in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and both ASD and ADHD to reveal potential interactive effects. Methods: A total of 148 boys aged 4-9 years old were enrolled in this study, including 44 children with ADHD, 40 pediatric patients with ASD, 32 patients with both ADHD and ASD, as well as 32 healthy neurotypical children. Hair, serum, and urinary Mg levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Laboratory quality control was performed using certified reference materials of human hair, plasma, and urine. Results: No significant group difference in serum Mg levels was observed. Mg content in hair was found to be reduced in children with ADHD and ADHD+ASD compared to that in healthy controls by 11% and 15%, respectively. Urinary Mg levels in children with ADHD+ASD exceeded the control, ADHD, and ASD values by 51, 76, and 65%, respectively. Factorial analysis revealed significant contribution of ADHD to hair and urinary Mg levels. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that hair and urinary Mg levels were considered as significant predictors of neurodevelopmental disorder complexity. Conclusion: We propose that impaired Mg status may provide a link between ADHD and ASD.

Assessment of Urinary Lead (Pb) and Essential Trace Elements in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Case-Control Study Among Preschool Children in Malaysia

“…For instance, Skalny et al demonstrated that the Mg concentration in the hair (17.91 μg/g for ASD children versus 18.84 μg/g for TD children) and urine (108.59 μg/mL for ASD children versus 118.51 μg/mL for TD children) of ASD children was lower than the unmatched TD control. However, the findings were non-significant [ 138 ]. Priya et al demonstrated that the Mg concentrations in hair of low functioning autism (LFA) (mean 174.02 ± 20.88 μg/g), medium functioning autism (MFA) (mean 202.21± 24.26 μg/g) and high functioning autism (HFA) (mean 236.31 ± 28.35 μg/g) children were significantly lower than the control group (mean 454.36 ± 54.52 μg/g).…”

Exploring Eating and Nutritional Challenges for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents’ and Special Educators’ Perceptions

“…Recently, there was a study linking low iodine levels in the first trimester of pregnancy and processing disorders of the child including children with ASD [61]. Additional deficiencies in iron [62], magnesium [63] and vitamins A and D [64] are often seen to exacerbate symptoms in children with ASD. It is therefore worth noting that speaking with experts may benefit parents to create more awareness.…”

The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial

“…One study showed that serum magnesium levels in people with ADHD were significantly lower than in the general population as well as in laboratory references. Therefore, given the role of magnesium in the nervous system, it is likely that magnesium supplementation within this patient population can help improve symptoms [ 42 , 43 ]. Similarly, magnesium supplementation has shown to improve several mental health parameters.…”