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Iron deficiency in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Eric Konofal1, Michel Lecendreux, Isabelle Arnulf

  • 1Service de Psychopathologie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France. eric.konofal@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|December 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have significantly lower iron stores. Low iron levels correlate with more severe ADHD symptoms, suggesting iron supplementation may be beneficial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Nutritional Psychiatry

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is implicated in abnormal dopaminergic neurotransmission.
  • This deficiency may play a role in the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare iron deficiency in children diagnosed with ADHD against a control group.
  • To assess the relationship between iron stores and ADHD symptom severity.

Main Methods:

  • A controlled group comparison study was conducted.
  • Fifty-three children with ADHD and 27 age- and sex-matched controls participated.
  • Serum ferritin levels and Conners' Parent Rating Scale scores were measured.

Main Results:

  • Children with ADHD exhibited significantly lower mean serum ferritin levels (23 ng/mL) compared to controls (44 ng/mL).
  • Abnormal serum ferritin levels (<30 ng/mL) were found in 84% of ADHD children versus 18% of controls.
  • Lower ferritin levels correlated with increased ADHD symptom severity and cognitive deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Low iron stores appear to contribute to the development of ADHD.
  • Children with ADHD may experience benefits from iron supplementation therapy.
Abstract

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