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.
Konofal
Eric
E
Hôpital Robert Debré, Service de Psychopathologie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Paris, France. eric.konofal@rdb.aphp.fr
Lecendreux
Michel
M
Deron
Juliette
J
Marchand
Martine
M
Cortese
Samuele
S
Zaïm
Mohammed
M
Mouren
Marie Christine
MC
Arnulf
Isabelle
I
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