03Feb
Iron Deficiency in Children diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
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| Summary: | In a multiphase, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 52 children (6 to 14 year olds, mean age: 10 years) diagnosed with moderately severe ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), mean ferritin concentration was found to be 18.4 ng/mL, with 23% of subjects having levels below 7 (the assay-defined threshold for iron deficiency). Interestingly, serum ferritin was found to be inversely associated with baseline inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and total ADHD symptom scores. A history of treatment with psychotropic drugs moderated some of these associations, with previously medicated children showing an even stronger association between serum ferritin concentration and ADHD symptom severity. The authors conclude, “The prediction of amphetamine optimal dose by ferritin concentration suggests that iron supplementation should be investigated as a potential intervention to optimize response to psychostimulants at a lower dose in individuals with low iron stores and ADHD.” |
Iron Deficiency in Children diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Tags: ADHD, children, iron deficiency
