Effects of iron supplementation on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.
Iron deficiency has been suggested as a possible contributing cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This present study examined the effects of iron supplementation on ADHD in children. Twenty-three nonanemic children (aged 5-8 years) with serum ferritin levels <30 ng/mL who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD were randomized (3:1 ratio) to either oral iron (ferrous sulfate, 80 mg/day, n = 18) or placebo (n = 5) for 12 weeks. There was a progressive significant decrease in the ADHD Rating Scale after 12 weeks on iron (-11.0 +/- 13.9; P < 0.008), but not on placebo (3.0 +/- 5.7; P = 0.308). Improvement on Conners' Parent Rating Scale (P = 0.055) and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (P = 0.076) with iron supplementation therapy failed to reach significance. The mean Clinical Global Impression-Severity significantly decreased at 12 weeks (P < 0.01) with iron, without change in the placebo group. Iron supplementation (80 mg/day) appeared to improve ADHD symptoms in children with low serum ferritin levels suggesting a need for future investigations with larger controlled trials. Iron therapy was well tolerated and effectiveness is comparable to stimulants.
Hôpital Robert Debré, Service de Psychopathologie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Paris, France. eric.konofal@rdb.aphp.fr
Eric
E
Konofal
Michel
M
Lecendreux
Juliette
J
Deron
Martine
M
Marchand
Samuele
S
Cortese
Mohammed
M
Zaïm
Marie Christine
MC
Mouren
Isabelle
I
Arnulf
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D010919:Placebos; C020748:ferrous sulfate; D005293:Ferritins