The Effect of Vitamin D and Magnesium Supplementation on the Mental Health Status of Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial Publisher Pubmed

Summary: A trial showed vitamin D and magnesium supplements for 8 weeks eased emotional and behavioral issues in kids with ADHD, suggesting a simple boost for mental health. #ADHD #ChildHealth

Hemamy M¹ ; Pahlavani N^{1, 2} ; Amanollahi A³ ; Islam SMS⁴ ; Mcvicar J⁴ ; Askari G¹ ; Malekahmadi M^{1, 5}
Source: BMC Pediatrics Published:2021

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by varying severity in attention deficit and hyperactivity. Studies have shown deficiencies in the serum level of magnesium and vitamin D in people with ADHD. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on mental health in children with ADHD. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 66 children with ADHD. Participants were randomly allocated to receive both vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) plus magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) supplements (n = 33) or placebos (n = 33) for 8-weeks. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s mental health at baseline and the end of the study. Results: After eight weeks of intervention, the serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and magnesium increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Also, children receiving vitamin D plus magnesium showed a significant reduction in emotional problems (p = 0.001), conduct problems (p = 0.002), peer problems (p = 0.001), prosocial score (p = 0.007), total difficulties (p = 0.001), externalizing score (p = 0.001), and internalizing score (p = 0.001) compared with children treated with the placebo. Conclusion: Vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) co-supplementation for a duration of 8-weeks could improve the behavioral function and mental health of children with ADHD. However, further well-designed studies with a larger sample size are needed. Trial registration: IRCT2016030326886N1. © 2021, The Author(s).