Background: The role of nutrients and dietary factors in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unclear.
Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the serum vitamin D level in children with a diagnosis of ADHD. The secondary objective was to detect the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function in those with vitamin D deficiency.
Methods: A total of 50 children with ADHD and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. We measured the serum level of vitamin D. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were subdivided into 2 groups: one with vitamin D supplementation and the other without vitamin D supplementation. Further assessment and follow-up of children with ADHD was done. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were performed at baseline and follow-up in all cohorts with an ADHD diagnosis.
Results: The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency was significantly greater in children with ADHD compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Children with ADHD had significantly ( P = 0.0009) lower values of serum vitamin D (17.23 ± 8.98) than the control group(31.47 ± 14.42). The group receiving vitamin D supplementation demonstrated improvement in cognitive function in the conceptual level, inattention, opposition, hyperactivity, and impulsivity domains.
Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation in children with ADHD may improve cognitive function.
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This branding of every behavior that doesn’t fit the norm as an issue is the real issue
S,
I’m nearly 70 yrs old and I remember as a toddler driving my mother crazy. As a child I was worse. Luckily, I was forced in 2nd grade to change my behavior and I became a good student and worker. Having a higher IQ helped academically but I was severely disabled socially because ADHD is unrelenting. Its detrimental effects affect every facet of your life every moment. For me the faucet was always on, full blast. I was obnoxious, loud, rude, impatient, said stupid things all the time, constantly interrupted, and so on. I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut in social situations, and only speak at work when it regarded work.
When ADHD was given recognition and a name I was relieved. I waited 15 years before I sought treatment because I was skeptical. When I started on the meds, I cried with happiness because I was able to function like my family and co-workers.
Your remark “This branding of every behavior that doesn’t fit the norm as an issue is the real issue” doesn’t make sense to people who are disabled or have a disorder or disease. Yes, not being able to behave how we want to behave which we would consider normal for us is an issue. To live my whole life alienating people is an issue. Not being able to concentrate and focus is an issue. Being constantly distracted is an issue. Having anxiety because I can’t think clearly is an issue. Not being able to stick to goals, projects, tasks, chores is an issue. I can go on and on.
But I think I have made my point.
I’m letting my inner child express here for the benefit of all disabled people, because remarks by others who know nothing of what they are talking about in this day and age is getting really old.
Behavior that doesn’t fit the norm that results in positivity is great. More is needed. What I describe in ADHD is also not the norm, is an issue, is given a name and luckily for us the professional community is trying to help.
I applaud your post and agree wholeheartedly! Very well stated. Thanks for posting!
Husband and I went out to dinner with friends last night….we are all in our 60’s and 70’s. A discussion ensued about how critical Vitamin D is for us…..and, apparently, all age groups! Kids and adults alike, in times past, used to be outside in the sun for many, many hours a day. And they were running, playing, working, visiting neighbors, etc. Our elderly population was taken care of at home by family and could spend a lot of time outside. Today the elderly are in communities and facilities and spend most of their time inside. So many elderly have dementia and other health issues we didn’t see this often in years past. Children played outside from dawn to dusk. Sometimes my teachers would have class outside! Now from a very young age kids are sat in front of the TV, in front of the computer, it’s too dangerous to ride their bike to the local park to play outside for hours. We have been slowly killing ourselves and negatively affecting our health for over 60 years now. Sad!!!