Trace Element Imbalances in ADHD: Hair Mineral Profiling via Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence and Wavelength-Dispersive...

This study examined hair mineral concentrations in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to neurotypical controls using advanced analytical techniques. We employed synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and WD-XRF to analyze hair samples from 49 ADHD-diagnosed children and 50 age-matched controls (6-18 years). Key findings revealed significant mineral imbalances in the ADHD group, including decreased levels of sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) alongside elevated aluminum (Al), bromine (Br), and chromium (Cr) concentrations (all p < 0.05). While manganese (Mn) showed no significant group difference, its trending lower levels in ADHD warrants further investigation given its neurotoxic potential. These elemental disturbances may contribute to dopaminergic dysfunction and behavioral symptoms characteristic of ADHD. The study demonstrates that hair mineral analysis serves as a valuable non-invasive tool for assessing long-term elemental exposure patterns in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our results suggest potential diagnostic utility of specific mineral profiles and highlight opportunities for targeted nutritional or environmental interventions. Further research should explore whether correcting these mineral abnormalities could ameliorate ADHD symptoms.