Higher Prevalence of Iron Deficiency as Strong Predictor of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the association between Iron deficiency and ADHD and the impact and role of iron deficiency on the development of ADHD in children. Methods and subjects Case-Control design based on 630 ADHD and 630 healthy children and conducted at the School Health and Primary Health care Clinics. The health status of the subjects was assessed by ascertaining clinical presentations and symptoms, family history, BMI, iron deficiency, ferritin, serum 25(OH) vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed. Results Mean age (± SD, in years) for ADHD and control children were 11.54±3.83 vs. 11.50±3.62. There were statistically significant differences between ADHD and healthy children control subjects with respect to paternal education level (p Conclusion The study indicates that low serum iron, ferritin levels and vitamin D deficiency may be associated with ADHD.