ADHD and Nutrient Adequacy
When we reflect on the often-controversial evidence regarding nutrition and ADHD, one of the key questions is this: Do individuals with ADHD simply not eat the right food (perhaps causing nutritional inadequacies), or do individuals with ADHD somehow metabolize food differently, leading to altered nutrient benefit? The jury is out, but a new study this month is interesting.
In a Recent Report…
Investigators looked at different forms of iron (ferritin, iron) in children with ADHD using blood samples. They concluded that ADHD was associated with either reduced ferritin or iron deficiency. Most physicians will consider iron deficiency if a child has particular symptoms, but ADHD is not usually a trigger for such an evaluation. Still, it may make sense to ask your pediatrician if it seems likely, or possible, that some aspect of iron metabolism is disrupted by testing ferritin, iron, or other indicators medically indicated. If a child has ADHD and iron deficiency, it is possible based on these data that iron supplementation will also help ADHD symptoms. However, too much iron can cause problems, so coordinate with your physician. Also, consider vitamin C supplements—vitamin C assists iron absorption. Overall, this study is a reminder that nutritional status remains an area of active investigation for ADHD.
Source:
Tseng PT, Cheng YS, Yen CF, Chen YW, Stubbs B, Whiteley P, Carvalho AF, Li DJ, Chen TY, Yang WC, Tang CH, Chu CS, Yang WC, Liang HY, Wu CK, Lin PY.
Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 15;8(1):788.
Dr. Nigg cannot advise on individual cases for ethical, legal, and logistical reasons.
