Duration effects of micronutrients in children with ADHD: Randomised controlled trial vs. Open-Label extension

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Psychiatry
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Micronutrient supplementation has shown promise in managing ADHD symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term efficacy of micronutrients for ADHD.
• To assess the impact of micronutrient treatment duration.
• To evaluate effects on children initially randomized to placebo.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) followed by a 10-week open-label (OL) phase.
• Participants (7-12 years) received either micronutrients or placebo in the RCT phase, then all received micronutrients in the OL phase.
• Assessments included ADHD symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I).

Main Results:

• Children initially on placebo showed significant symptom improvement (CGI-I responders) after switching to micronutrients (32.4% to 64.9%).
• Children on micronutrients for 20 weeks maintained high response rates (46.3% to 63.4%).
• Over half of all children were responders by the end of the OL phase, with no significant group differences or increased side effects.

Conclusions:

• Micronutrients are a viable treatment option for ADHD, maintaining and improving symptom control.
• Extended treatment duration further enhances benefits, with placebo responders catching up to the continuous treatment group.
• Micronutrient supplementation in ADHD is safe and effective, promoting symptom improvement and physical growth.