Adult ADHD
Visual Abstract
Vitamin-mineral treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial
Vitamins, Minerals, and ADHD
Julia J Rucklidge , Chris M Frampton, Brigette Gorman, Anna Boggis
Summarized by:
April 23, 2023
study source
Br J Psychiatry
Jan 2014
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What they studied
This study wanted to test whether vitamins and minerals can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
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What they found
Adults with ADHD who received a vitamin and mineral supplement showed significantly reduced ADHD symptoms compared to the control group.
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What this means
These results suggest that nutrition can play a role in improving outcomes in ADHD.
Vitamin-mineral treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial
Objectives
There is a growing amount of evidence linking our physical health to our mental health. The researchers in this study wanted to see whether nutrition could play a role in ADHD.
The study wanted to test the effects of supplementing multiple vitamins and minerals rather than a specific nutrient or diet.
Study Quote
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.
Methods
The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial on 80 adults with ADHD. They randomly selected half of the adults to receive nutrient supplements and gave the other half a placebo control.
Study Quote
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
After eight weeks of treatment, those that received the nutritional supplementation felt a much greater improvement in their ADHD symptoms than those in the control group.
Those given micronutrients were more likely to notice improvements in their own ADHD symptoms after 8 weeks of treatment.
Doctors were also more likely to notice improvements in those who received the vitamin/mineral supplements than those in the control group.
Clinicians were more likely to notice improvements in ADHD symptoms in participants who were provided with a vitamin/mineral supplement.
There was also some evidence that those who were depressed, experienced improved moods with nutrient supplementation.
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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.
Study Quote
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...
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Conclusions
This study provides evidence that good nutrition and nutritional supplementation can improve symptoms of ADHD.
This was a small study; more research is needed to confirm the effects. If confirmed, these results suggest that nutritional supplementation can be a safe and inexpensive way to improve ADHD, in addition to medication and therapy as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Study Quote
This study provides preliminary evidence of efficacy for micronutrients in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in adults, with a reassuring safety profile.