ABSTRACT
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is a common neuro developmental disorder. Evidence for dietary/nutritional treatments for [ADHD] varies widely, however recommended daily allowance of minerals and essential fatty acids is an ADHD-specific intervention
Aim of the work: To estimate magnesium, zinc and copper levels in the sera and hair of children with ADHD and compare them to normal children and also to correlate these levels with the disease symptoms
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 20 patients with ADHD and 20 age and sex matched healthy controls. All subjects were subjected to psychiatric evaluation according to DSMIV-R, magnesium, zinc and copper estimation in serum and hair follicles. ADHD children were further assessed by the Stanford Binnet intelligence scale for children, Conners' parent rating scale, and Wisconsin's card sorting test
Results: Magnesium, zinc and copper deficiencies were found in 13 [65%], 14 [60%] and 12 [70%] of ADHD children respectively. Magnesium and zinc deficiencies were found to be correlated with hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. However, this correlation was not found in the copper deficient ADHD cases
Conclusion: Children with ADHD have lower levels of zinc, copper and magnesium compared to both laboratory reference ranges and to normal controls in both hair and serum. These deficiencies are correlated with the core symptoms of ADHD
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Male , Child , Adolescent , Zinc/deficiency , Copper/deficiency , Magnesium Deficiency , Child , Dietary Supplements , Case-Control StudiesABSTRACT
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with associated mineral deficiency
Aim: To assess magnesium level in ADHD children and compare it to the normal levels in children. Then, to detect the effect of magnesium supplementation as an add on therapy, on magnesium deficient patients
Methods: The study was conducted on 25 patients with ADHD and 25 controls. All subjects had magnesium estimation in serum and hair. ADHD children were further assessed by Wechsler intelligence scale for children, Conners' parent rating scale, and Wisconsin card sorting test. Then magnesium deficient patients were assigned into 2 groups, those who received magnesium, and those who did not. The difference between the studied groups was assessed by Conners' parents rating scale and Wisconsin card sorting test
Results: Magnesium deficiency was found in 18 [72%] of ADHD children. The magnesium supplemented group improved as regards cognitive functions as measured by the Wisconsin card sorting test and Conners' rating scale. The patients reported minor side effects from magnesium supplementation
Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation in ADHD, proves its value and safety