Magnesium and Vitamin D Boost Mental Health in ADHD Kids

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 33865361

Quick Summary: A 2021 study tested if giving kids with ADHD extra vitamin D and magnesium could help their mental health. After 8 weeks, the kids who got these supplements showed big improvements in behavior, emotions, and social skills compared to those who got fake pills. Blood tests also showed their vitamin D and magnesium levels went up a lot.

What The Research Found

This trial looked at how vitamin D and magnesium together might ease ADHD symptoms like trouble focusing, acting out, or feeling anxious. Researchers used a simple survey called the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to check kids' mental health before and after.

Key results included:
- Fewer emotional issues: Kids felt less worried or upset (big drop, with strong stats showing it worked, p=0.001).
- Better behavior: Less fighting or rule-breaking (p=0.002).
- Improved friendships: Fewer problems getting along with peers (p=0.001).
- More helpful actions: Kids showed more kindness and sharing (p=0.007).
- Overall wins: Total behavior problems, outward issues like hyperactivity, and inward ones like sadness all dropped a lot (all p=0.001).

Blood levels of vitamin D and magnesium rose sharply in the supplement group, hinting that low levels of these nutrients might play a role in ADHD struggles.

Study Details

Who was studied: 66 kids diagnosed with ADHD, aged around school years, from Iran. Half got the real supplements, half got placebos (fake pills that look the same) to keep things fair and unbiased.

How long: 8 weeks total, with check-ins at the start and end.

What they took: The supplement group got vitamin D at 50,000 IU once a week plus magnesium at 6 mg per kg of body weight each day (adjusted for each kid's size). Everyone took them by mouth under doctor watch.

What This Means For You

If your child has ADHD, this suggests checking for low vitamin D or magnesium could be a smart step—many kids with ADHD have these shortages from diet or less sun time. Adding these supplements with a doctor's okay might help calm emotions and boost daily life, like school or playtime, alongside usual treatments like therapy or meds. It's not a cure-all, but it could make a real difference. Always talk to a pediatrician before starting supplements to get the right dose and avoid side effects.

Study Limitations

This research has some gaps to keep in mind:
- Small group of just 66 kids, so results might not fit every child or place outside Iran.
- Only 8 weeks long, so we don't know if benefits last or if it's safe over years.
- Supplements were given together, so it's unclear if magnesium alone or vitamin D alone would help.
- Didn't track things like kids' diets or outdoor time, which could affect results.
- Needs bigger, longer studies to confirm and fine-tune for different kids.

Source: PubMed Study (Trial ID: IRCT2016030326886N1). Consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Key Findings

The study found that co-supplementation with vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) significantly improved mental health outcomes in children with ADHD. Compared to placebo, the intervention group showed reduced emotional problems, conduct issues, peer difficulties, and total behavioral challenges, alongside increased prosocial behaviors. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and magnesium rose significantly in the supplemented group, suggesting a potential link between nutrient status and behavioral improvements.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 66 children diagnosed with ADHD in Iran. Participants were divided into intervention (n=33) and placebo (n=33) groups, with an 8-week intervention period. Mental health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline and post-intervention.

Dosage & Administration

The intervention group received vitamin D₃ (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) orally, while the placebo group received inert substances. Supplements were administered under medical supervision, with dosages adjusted based on weight for magnesium.

Results & Efficacy

Serum 25(OH)D3: Increased significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo).
Serum magnesium: Also rose significantly in the supplemented group (p < 0.001).
SDQ outcomes:
Emotional problems: p = 0.001
Conduct problems: p = 0.002
Peer problems: p = 0.001
Prosocial score: p = 0.007
Total difficulties: p = 0.001
Externalizing/internalizing scores: p = 0.001 for both.
All results indicate large effect sizes, with p-values < 0.01 except prosocial behavior (p = 0.007).

Limitations

Small sample size (n=66) limits generalizability and statistical power.
Short duration (8 weeks) precludes assessment of long-term efficacy or safety.
Population specificity: Participants were Iranian children, potentially limiting applicability to other demographics.
Combined intervention: Effects of individual nutrients cannot be isolated.
No follow-up: Post-intervention outcomes beyond 8 weeks were unmeasured.
Potential confounding: Dietary intake, sun exposure, or baseline nutrient levels were not fully controlled.

Clinical Relevance

This trial suggests that co-supplementation with vitamin D and magnesium may alleviate behavioral and emotional symptoms in children with ADHD, particularly in those with deficiencies. However, the doses used (e.g., 6 mg/kg/day magnesium) require medical supervision to avoid toxicity. Clinicians might consider screening ADHD patients for nutrient levels and integrating supplementation as an adjunct to standard treatments. Larger, longer trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal dosing strategies.

Note: The study does not establish standalone magnesium benefits, as it was combined with vitamin D. Users should consult healthcare providers before supplementation, especially for children.

Source: PubMed (IRCT2016030326886N1).