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

Summary

This 8-week randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) co-supplementation in 66 children with ADHD. The intervention group demonstrated significant increases in serum micronutrient levels and significant reductions across multiple behavioural and mental health domains, including emotional problems, conduct problems, peer relationships, and overall difficulty scores. The authors conclude that combined supplementation may improve behavioural function and mental health in ADHD children, though acknowledge that larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Regional applicability

This Iranian paediatric trial provides evidence on micronutrient supplementation for ADHD, a condition affecting UK children. However, the transferability to United Kingdom practice depends on dietary baseline micronutrient status, which may differ between populations. UK clinical application would require validation in local populations and consideration within existing ADHD management frameworks, where medication and behavioural interventions remain first-line approaches.

Key measures

Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 levels, serum magnesium levels, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores (emotional problems, conduct problems, peer problems, prosocial score, total difficulties, externalizing and internalizing scores)

Outcomes reported

The study measured serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and magnesium, and assessed mental health outcomes including emotional problems, conduct problems, peer problems, prosocial behaviour, and difficulty scores using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Children receiving vitamin D plus magnesium supplementation showed significant improvements across multiple behavioural and mental health domains compared with placebo.

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