Magnesium status and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between serum magnesium and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Magnesium plays a crucial role in neurological function and neurotransmitter regulation.
• Understanding this relationship could inform potential therapeutic strategies for ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and quantify the association between serum magnesium levels and ADHD diagnosis.
• To synthesize findings from observational studies using meta-analysis.
• To address the heterogeneity in existing research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of Scopus and PubMed up to August 2018.
• Inclusion of seven observational studies reporting magnesium levels in ADHD and control groups.
• Random-effects meta-analysis to determine the overall effect size.

Main Results:

• Subjects with ADHD exhibited significantly lower serum magnesium levels (0.105 mmol/l lower) compared to healthy controls.
• A high degree of statistical heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I² = 96.2%).
• The findings support an inverse relationship between magnesium deficiency and ADHD.

Conclusions:

• The meta-analysis provides evidence for an association between lower serum magnesium and ADHD.
• Significant heterogeneity highlights the need for further large-scale, community-based observational studies.
• Future research should aim to clarify the causal relationship and explore the clinical implications of magnesium levels in ADHD.