Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Children Presenting with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Children 2014, 1(3), 261-279; doi:10.3390/children1030261 (registering DOI)
Amelia Villagomez 1, avillagomez at psychiatry.arizona.edu and Ujjwal Ramtekkar 2
1 University of Arizona, 2800 E. Ajo Way Suite 300, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA
2 Mercy Children's Hospital, 621 S. New Ballas Road, Suite 693A, Saint Louis, MO 63141, USA
Received: 31 May 2014; in revised form: 12 August 2014 / Accepted: 21 August 2014 / Published: 29 September 2014
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Integrative Medicine: An Emerging Field of Pediatrics)
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Note: Magnesium increases Vitamin D bioavailability AND is required for use of vitamin D
Iron see also Iron deficiency is a cause of Vitamin D deficiency
Zinc is needed to use Omega-3 (Fatty acids) ADHD individuals had 45% less compared to controls
Adding zinc reduced hyperactivity, impulsivity, and and improved socialization
Zinc and Vitamin D
See also Vitamin D Life
ADHD and Vitamin D Deficiency
Abstract: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder increasing in prevalence. Although there is limited evidence to support treating ADHD with mineral/vitamin supplements, research does exist showing that patients with ADHD may have reduced levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium. These nutrients have important roles in neurologic function, including involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of each of these nutrients in the brain, the possible altered levels of these nutrients in patients with ADHD, possible reasons for a differential level in children with ADHD, and safety and effect of supplementation. With this knowledge, clinicians may choose in certain patients at high risk of deficiency, to screen for possible deficiencies of magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, and iron by checking RBC-magnesium, 25-OH vitamin D, serum/plasma zinc, and ferritin. Although children with ADHD may be more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and iron, it cannot be stated that these lower levels caused ADHD. However, supplementing areas of deficiency may be a safe and justified intervention.
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