The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by varying severity in attention deficit and hyperactivity. Studies have shown deficiencies in the serum level of magnesium and vitamin D in people with ADHD. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on mental health in children with ADHD. Methods We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 66 children with ADHD. Participants were randomly allocated to receive both vitamin D (50,000\u2009IU/week) plus magnesium (6\u2009mg/kg/day) supplements ( n \u2009=\u200933) or placebos (n\u2009=\u200933) for 8-weeks. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s mental health at baseline and the end of the study. Results After eight weeks of intervention, the serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and magnesium increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Also, children receiving vitamin D plus magnesium showed a significant reduction in emotional problems ( p \u2009=\u20090.001), conduct problems ( p \u2009=\u20090.002), peer problems ( p \u2009=\u20090.001), prosocial score ( p \u2009=\u20090.007), total difficulties ( p \u2009=\u20090.001), externalizing score ( p \u2009=\u20090.001), and internalizing score ( p \u2009=\u20090.001) compared with children treated with the placebo. Conclusion Vitamin D (50,000\u2009IU/week) and magnesium (6\u2009mg/kg/day) co-supplementation for a duration of 8-weeks could improve the behavioral function and mental health of children with ADHD. However, further well-designed studies with a larger sample size are needed. Trial registration IRCT2016030326886N1 .