Role of calcium metabolism in ADHD: The relationship between parathyroid hormone and ADHD symptom severity

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D has been found to be associated with the pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the potential role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is still unclear. Aim: We aimed to investigate the association between calcium metabolism and ADHD symptomatology. Methods: We included 106 participants aged between 7 and 13 years old (51 ADHD patients, mean age: 9.54 ± 1.77, 55 healthy controls mean age: 9.97 ± 0.94) to this study. K-SADS-PL and Conners’ Parent/Teacher Rating Scales, Stroop Test were performed. Blood samples to measure serum levels of Vitamin D, PTH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were collected in the spring (March–April–May) to prevent seasonal variability. Results: PTH, P, and ALP values were significantly lower and Vitamin D, Ca, and Mg values were significantly higher in the ADHD group ( P < 0.05, for all). Both groups had Vitamin D deficiency. Control group has lower Vitamin D levels than the ADHD group (respectively; 17.66 ± 9.07, 21.99 ± 10.99, P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between PTH and CTRS hyperactivity, CGI-RI and CGI-EL sub-scores, CGI-Total, DSM-IV-Inattention, DSM-IV Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, DSM-IV-Total scores ( P < 0.05, for all). Conclusions: We found lower PTH levels in ADHD patients and a strong and negative correlation between PTH and symptom severity. Future studies are needed to clarify if these findings are due to the key role of PTH in ADHD pathology or PTH’s function in activating vitamin D.

Associations Between Blood Leukocyte DNA Methylation and Sustained Attention in Mid-To-Late Childhood

“…These findings suggest that calcium dysregulation in the brain may influence impulsivity. This claim is further supported by Altun Varmis et al , who found that increased calcium levels were associated with ADHD, as were reduced parathyroid hormone levels, which helps regulate calcium levels [ 57 ]. In a childhood ADHD EWAS conducted by Mooney et al , the top-ranked differentially methylated position, showing increased DNAm in ADHD cases compared with non-ADHD controls, was located in the promotor region of SLC7A8 [ 6 ].…”

Maternal vitamin D status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an under diagnosed risk factor; A review

“…113 The relationship between calcium metabolism and the symptoms of ADHD was also the subject of another study by Varmis ¸and his Colleagues. 114 Total 106 participants between the ages of 7 and 13 were included in this study. Vitamin D, PTH, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were assessed using blood samples.…”

“…PTH and CTRS hyperactivity, CGI-RI and CGI-EL sub-scores, CGI-Total, DSM-IV-Inattention, DSM-IV Hyperactivity/ Impulsivity, and DSM-IV-Total scores all showed a negative connection. 114 Furthermore, various findings revealed an association between the maternal Vitamin D level and ADHD in children (Table 1).…”