Effect of micronutrients on behavior and mood in adults With ADHD: evidence from an 8-week open label trial with natural extension.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of a 36-ingredient micronutrient formula consisting mainly of minerals and vitamins in the treatment of adults with both ADHD and severe mood dysregulation (SMD).


METHODS
14 medication-free adults (9 men, 5 women; 18-55 years) with ADHD and SMD completed an 8-week open-label trial.


RESULTS
A minority reported transitory mild side effects. Significant improvements were noted across informants (self, observer, clinician) on measures of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, mood, quality of life, anxiety, and stress all with medium to very large effect sizes (all ps < .01); however, the mean of inattention remained in a clinical range whereas the means on measures of mood and hyperactivity/impulsivity were normalized. Follow-up data showed maintenance of changes or further improvement for those who stayed on the micronutrients.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this study, as an open trial, does not in itself prove efficacy, it provides preliminary evidence supporting the need for a randomized clinical trial of micronutrients as treatment for the more complex presentations of ADHD.
Rucklidge
Julia
J
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. julia.rucklidge@canterbury.ac.nz
Taylor
Mairin
M
Whitehead
Kathryn
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000178:diet therapy; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000178:diet therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018977:Micronutrients