Iron Deficiency and ADHD

Studies have proved that nearly 8% of children aged 4 years and below, have iron deficiency. This percentage rises to 13% in children aged between 5 and 12; and then settles back to 8% in individuals above the age of 15. 

Anemia is the common repercussion of iron deficiency. Even minor iron deficiency may affect the thyroid, weaken the immune system, and mess up with physical performance. 

It has also been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric conditions, including ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) and learning disabilities. 

The link between iron deficiency and ADHD should be considered if you have a child with ADHD symptoms. You can support ADHD treatment by giving iron supplements to your child. 

Lack of certain minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron can stimulate impulsiveness, carelessness, and hyperactivity in kids. 

Thus, adequate amount of iron consumption is essential to improve neurological conditions, including the ADHD and other learning disorders. 

How It Works: 

Iron acts like a co-enzyme in the anabolism of catecholamines. That implies it is necessary for the formation of certain neurotransmitters. 

It also helps to control the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which most likely accounts for the connection of iron deficiency with neurological conditions. 

Thus, it makes sense that supplementing children with ADHD, having iron deficiency might alleviate their attention deficit symptoms. 

You may consider using ADHD supplements, such as Listol, that contain iron, to alleviate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children.

Case Studies of Children with ADHD: 

A study conducted in Israel has shown promising results. It involved fourteen boys with ADHD symptoms for short-term iron administration on behavior. The boys received iron supplements daily for 30 days. 

After a period of 30-days, both parents and teachers of the children assessed their behavior. Parents noticed remarkable improvements in their behavior. 

This study suggests that hyperactive and careless behavior can be treated if the child's iron deficiency is rectified. 

Another study included 33 iron-deficient, but otherwise normal children. Each child was given an iron supplement and then examined by parents and teachers. 

The kids became less hyperactive. Thus, the study suggested that iron deficiency might cause hyperactive behavior in some children, and this behavior is reversible when the deficiency is treated. 

A third study involved a group of teen-aged high school girls who were found to be iron deficient. These girls were treated with iron supplementation for 8 weeks. 

After the 8-week study, the researchers discovered that girls who received iron supplementation performed better on memory tests and verbal learning than those who did not. 

As none of the studies were double-blind studies, we cannot really rely on the results. However, these studies suggest that ADHD symptoms can be alleviated with iron supplementation. 

Apart from behavioral problems, children with an iron deficiency are also at great risk for absorbing toxins. 

It has been found that children with low iron levels can easily absorb heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. 

Toxicologists have also noticed an association between iron deficiency and high blood levels of lead in kids. 

Though the relation between iron deficiency and ADHD seems to have been determined to some extent, very few researchers have considered using it to treat the condition. 

If you suspect that your child might have an iron deficiency, get a blood test done to determine the mineral content and consult a doctor for the proper dosage. 

For more information about ADHD treatments, read our articles on DMAE, GABA and Phosphatidylserine for ADHD.