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Iron treatment in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A preliminary report
Y Sever1, A Ashkenazi, S Tyano
1Geha Psychiatric Hospital, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Insights
Iron supplementation improved behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were not iron deficient. This suggests a potential role for iron in managing ADHD symptoms, warranting further placebo-controlled studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron is crucial for dopaminergic activity regulation.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be influenced by iron metabolism, even in non-anemic children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate iron metabolism in non-anemic children diagnosed with ADHD.
- To assess the impact of short-term iron administration on ADHD symptoms and behavior.
Main Methods:
- A study group of 14 boys (aged 7-11 years) with ADHD was selected after excluding other medical/psychiatric conditions.
- Participants received iron supplementation (5 mg/kg/day) for 30 days.
- Behavioral symptoms were assessed using the Connors Rating Scale (parent and teacher versions); blood samples were analyzed before and after supplementation.
Main Results:
- Serum ferritin levels significantly increased post-supplementation (25.9 ± 9.2 to 44.6 ± 18 ng/ml).
- Parental Connors Rating Scale scores significantly decreased, indicating improved ADHD symptoms.
- No significant changes were observed in other blood parameters or teacher-reported ADHD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Short-term iron supplementation may alleviate behavioral symptoms in non-iron-deficient children with ADHD.
- Further placebo-controlled research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of iron supplementation for ADHD in this population.
Abstract:
Iron plays a role in the regulation of dopaminergic activity. In the present study, nonanemic children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were evaluated with regard to heme and nonheme iron metabolism and the effect of short-term iron administration on behavior. The study group consisted of 14 boys aged 7-11 years. All first underwent testing to rule out other psychiatric and medical problems. The severity of the ADHD symptoms was determined by parent and teacher scores on the Connors Rating Scale. Thereafter, each patient received an iron preparation (Ferrocal), 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Blood samples were taken before and after drug administration. Results showed a significant increase in serum ferritin levels (from 25.9 +/- 9.2 to 44.6 +/- 18 ng/ml) and a significant decrease on the parents' Connors Rating Scale scores (from 17.6 +/- 4.5 to 12.7 +/- 5.4). There were no changes in other blood parameters or in the teachers' scores on the rating scale. The effect of iron supplementation on the behavioral and cognitive symptoms in noniron-deficient ADHD children merits further investigation using a placebo-controlled study.