Iron Supplements for ADHD
Iron supplements are sometimes recommended as a treatment for ADHD. Studies have found that children with ADHD are more likely to have low levels of iron than children without ADHD, and iron deficiency seems to correlate with the severity of ADHD symptoms.
Iron is needed by the body to make the neurotransmitters involved with ADHD, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend iron supplements to all children with ADHD. However, there are a few early studies, which have not been confirmed by additional research, suggesting improvement in ADHD symptoms, as well as learning problems, in children low in iron.
The recommended dose of iron sulfate is 5 mg/kg/day. High doses of iron are toxic, and rarely lethal, so caution is needed about giving the appropriate dose and keeping iron supplements in a safe place to prevent accidental poisoning by younger children.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, iron supplements
Iron is needed by the body to make the neurotransmitters involved with ADHD, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend iron supplements to all children with ADHD. However, there are a few early studies, which have not been confirmed by additional research, suggesting improvement in ADHD symptoms, as well as learning problems, in children low in iron.
The recommended dose of iron sulfate is 5 mg/kg/day. High doses of iron are toxic, and rarely lethal, so caution is needed about giving the appropriate dose and keeping iron supplements in a safe place to prevent accidental poisoning by younger children.
Related Topics: Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, iron supplements
2 Comments:
Dr. Sogn,
Thank you for an informative post, and although your post was short, it allowed me to raise some questions. I was intrigued by your previous post “Home DNA Testing for ADHD” and believed that a section in that post tied in well with this one. In this day and age medication, such as Ritalin, is used to quickly fix a disorder, but in your previous post I believed you offered an alternative. You stated that a nutritious and balanced diet low in sugar and high in omega-3 fatty acids would be a good diet for children who are at risk of developing ADHD. In this current this post you focus on the effects iron supplements have on ADHD symptoms. It was apparent to me that you believe a child’s’ diet may help prevent ADHD and its’ symptoms; however, I wonder if you have come across direct evidence that supports your claim? I am also curious to know if children may eat food high in iron instead of taking the supplement. Is there a significant difference? Also, is there a reason why children with ADHD have an iron deficiency?
On a side note I was intrigued by your blog description. It states that 3%-5% of children and adults are affected by ADHD. However, the media does make it appear as if there is a higher prevalence of this disorder. I personally know many children who are affected and are currently being treated for ADHD. I would have guessed that the prevalence for this disorder in children was higher than the number you suggested for both children and adults. Do you believe that the public’s perception of children affected by ADHD would lower if alternative methods of treatment, such as diet, proved to be successful? If this did happen, do you feel that people would continue to quickly turn to medication?
Hello! I sleep very well at night but about two to three hours into the day I get very sleepy I was told that I have ADHD. Is being sleepy a symptom? I have ADHD systems but tiredness is my bigest problem. Make that go away and I believe my ADHD would also.Does it make since that I sleep very well at night and I get so sleepy during the day. Thank you for your help!
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