Positive Effect of Vitamin D and Magnesium Supplementation on Mental health Status of Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Children; A Randomized Double blind Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by varying severity in attention deficit and hyperactivity. Studies have shown deficiencies in the serum level of magnesium and vitamin D in ADHD. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on mental health in children with ADHD.Method: This double‑blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on 66 ADHD children. participants were randomly allocated to receive both Vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) supplements (n = 33) or placebos (n = 33) for 8 weeks. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire were used to evaluate children’s mental health at baseline and at the end of the study.Results: After 8 weeks of intervention, the serum levels of 25‑hydroxy‑Vitamin D3 and magnesium increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Also a significant decrease in changes of emotional problems (p=0.001), conduct problems (p=0.002), peer problems (p=0.001), prosocial score (p=0.007), total difficulties (p=0.001), externalizing score (p=0.001), and internalizing score (p=0.001) was seen in intervention group at the end of study.Conclusion: Vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) co-supplementation during 8-week could improve the behavioral function and mental health in ADHD. Although further well-designed studies with a larger sample size are needed.the IRCT registration: IRCT2016030326886N1.