Vitamin-mineral treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The role of nutrition in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is gaining international attention; however, treatments have generally focused only on diet restriction or supplementing with one nutrient at a time.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy and safety of a broad-based micronutrient formula consisting mainly of vitamins and minerals, without omega fatty acids, in the treatment of ADHD in adults.


METHODS
This double-blind randomised controlled trial assigned 80 adults with ADHD in a 1:1 ratio to either micronutrients (n = 42) or placebo (n = 38) for 8 weeks (trial registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000308291).


RESULTS
Intent-to-treat analyses showed significant between-group differences favouring active treatment on self- and observer- but not clinician-ADHD rating scales. However, clinicians rated those receiving micronutrients as more improved than those on placebo both globally and on ADHD symptoms. Post hoc analyses showed that for those with moderate/severe depression at baseline, there was a greater change in mood favouring active treatment over placebo. There were no group differences in adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides preliminary evidence of efficacy for micronutrients in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in adults, with a reassuring safety profile.
Julia J. Rucklidge, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch; Chris M. Frampton, PhD, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch; Brigette Gorman, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch; Anna Boggis, MD, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Julia J
JJ
Rucklidge
Chris M
CM
Frampton
Brigette
B
Gorman
Anna
A
Boggis
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001315:Australia; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
D014815:Vitamins