Iron Supplementation in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Single Centre Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of iron supplementation on symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disease (ADHD).

Methods: A prospective single arm intervention study was conducted on children aged 4-12 years, newly diagnosed with ADHD, attending the child development clinic in a tertiary centre in Northern India. A baseline hemogram and serum ferritin levels were assessed in all children. ADHD symptom severity was assessed with age-appropriate neuropsychometric questionnaires, and objective tests of attention at baseline and after six weeks of oral iron therapy.

Results: Out of 32 participants, 23 were found to be ferritin sufficient (serum ferritin > 30 ng/mL) at enrolment. There was no difference in the median scores of neuropsychometric tests at the baseline of ferritin sufficient and ferritin deficient children. A statistically significant change in median scores of inattention and hyperactivity subscale on Conner's Rating Scale (P = 0.036) as well as significant improvement on tests of attention; Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT) (P = 0.006) were observed after six weeks of iron therapy in all children.

Conclusion: The study showed promising results of iron supplementation in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children. Keywords: ADHD, Anemia, Inattention, Serum ferritin.