Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper and Selenium Status in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

In this study, we critically review the literature concerning the relation of Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Se and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Elemental status is estimated using peripheral blood parameters, hair, urine, daily intake and response to supplementation. The observed associations between concentration levels of the elements Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Se and ADHD symptoms are contradictory. This is partly due to the heterogeneity and complexity of the disorder. As a trend, lower ferritin and zinc levels can be observed. However, this correlation is not causative, as illustrated by placebo-controlled trials reporting conflicting evidence on the efficacy of supplementation. Well-defined studies on changes in concentration levels of the elements in relation to ADHD symptoms before and after treatment with therapeutics it will be possible to shed more light on the significance of these elements in this behavioral disorder. The discussion on whether a change in concentration of an element is cause or consequence of ADHD is not within the scope of this article.

The Role of Iron and Zinc in the Treatment of ADHD among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

“…Based on the results obtained in this systematic review, the specific role of dietary nutrients with zinc and iron still seems controversial for the treatment of ADHD, being most consistent with the evidence for zinc. Moreover, although the reviewed studies found a relationship between the use of dietary supplements containing these elements with the improvement of ADHD symptoms, neither the mono-causal role of a concrete specific nutritional deficiency among ADHD children nor the role of a concrete dietary nutrient in the management of this disorder were proven (as was reported quite recently [56]). Future controlled clinical trials are needed, examining the efficacy of mineral supplementation.…”

“…Iron is a cofactor mineral that systematizes the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, an essential element participating in a wide variety of metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, and electron transport [55]. Some studies have analyzed the contribution of zinc and iron on ADHD occurrence, but conflicting findings have been obtained [56]. As a trend, compared to healthy control groups, lower levels of iron and zinc have been observed in children diagnosed with ADHD, but it is not clear whether changes in nutrient levels in blood tests mediate treatment outcomes in children with ADHD who consume mineral supplements [57,58], or even what sub-groups could particularly benefit from.…”

Assessment of Copper and Zinc Levels in Hair and Urine of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case-Control Study in Eastern India

“…Necrosis, cystic transformation, interstitial focus, and cavernous vacuolation are all possible risk factors for the development of these illnesses and may contribute to the origin of ADHD in children [ 19 ]. Studies on children have reported increased serum copper levels, as evidenced by higher hair copper levels [ 20 , 21 ]. Our study, however, estimated an increase in the hair and urinary copper levels in the ADHD group.…”

Анализ Сывороточной Концентрации Марганца И Других Химических Элементов У Детей С Синдромом Дефицита Внимания И Гиперактивности (Сдвг) И Тиками

“…Несмотря на отмеченную нами ранее взаимосвязь между нарушениями обмена цинка и меди с наличием СДВГ у детей, в настоящем исследовании значимых отличий данных показателей от контрольных выявлено не было. Это обстоя-тельство может быть обусловлено более старшим возрастом обследуемых, а также вариабельностью маркеров элементного статуса у детей с СДВГ (Robberecht et al, 2020).…”