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The Effects of Magnesium Levels On Adhd Symptoms
The Effects of Magnesium Levels On Adhd Symptoms
The Effects of Magnesium Levels On Adhd Symptoms
Bri Rehborg
Dr. Acevado
4/30/2023
Introduction
Current research suggests conflicting evidence surrounding the relationship between serum
magnesium levels and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The data in the literature shows
that there is a common deficiency in magnesium in people with ADHD, yet there are not many studies on
how supplementing magnesium helps with symptoms. However, side effects are unclear and there is little
research on the effects of supplementation. There is a common problem but an unclear solution that has
been proven to be effective. Magnesium is an important mineral in multiple systems of the human body.
It is an essential cofactor in supporting enzyme activity for fat digestion and absorption (Al-Ghamdi, et
al., 1994) Thus, magnesium is essential for neural activity and cognitive function (Irmisch et. al, 2011).
Knowing that there is a common deficiency of magnesium in people with ADHD, a deficiency would
influence symptoms. Regarding supplementation, the side effects are unclear and how they affect our
body. By increasing magnesium levels in people with ADHD, their symptoms will be more manageable,
Literature Review
There is a plethora of studies that have been done on magnesium and ADHD, magnesium
supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function, as it is a cofactor in neural activity
(Irmisch et. al, 2011). Magnesium is an essential mineral in the body; it aids in metabolic processes and
cognitive function (Irmisch et. al, 2011; Tarleton, 2018). According to Mahmoud et al. (2011), Baza et al.
(2016), and Kozieliec, et. al (1997) magnesium levels were significantly lower in children with ADHD.
Magnesium deficiency is prominent in people with ADHD because magnesium is an important cofactor
in cognitive function, which is decreased or impaired in people of ADHD (Al-Ghamdi et al., 1994;
Irmisch et. al, 2011). Irmisch et. al. conducted a case-control study with 20 people with ADHD and
polyunsaturated fats have also been shown to be helpful in ADHD therapy, magnesium is a cofactor in
supporting fatty enzyme activity and is essential for neural activity (2011). By increasing magnesium in
the diet, cognitive function should improve. In the study conducted by Elbaz et al., the magnesium-
Current literature states that 70- 95% of patients with ADHD are determined to have a deficiency
in magnesium. Throughout the research, there is a trend of magnesium deficiency in people with ADHD,
and the best way to measure this is through hair. A study done by Baza, et. al. researched the effects of
supplementation by having 25 patients with ADHD and a control group without ADHD (2016). All
patients were tested for the estimation of magnesium in serum and hair. The magnesium-deficient patients
were assigned into 2 groups, those who received magnesium, and those who did not. Then they were
assessed by Conners’ parent's rating scale and Wisconsin card sorting test. The group that was
supplemented with magnesium improved cognitive function and patients reported minor side effects. The
study of magnesium and ADHD is still being researched and more studies should be done. According to
Robberecht et. al., this correlation may not be causative due to the heterogeneity and complexity of the
disorder (2020). This study contradicts the previous studies talked about and stated supplementation was
insufficient and more research should be done. The prior studies stated on magnesium and ADHD have
Discussion
Magnesium deficiency is prevalent in people with ADHD, and it is a problem consuming enough
for low-income families. Magnesium is an essential cation that is included in multiple enzymatic
reactions and is a cofactor to adenosine triphosphates (Al-Ghamdi et al., 1994). The daily recommended
intake for magnesium is 300-400mg each day according to the National Institutes of Health (2023).
blood pressure regulation, insulin resistance, and bone homeostasis (Irmisch et. al, 2011; Tarleton, 2018).
Because current research states that 70-95% of people with ADHD have a magnesium deficiency, it is
important to evaluate how that affects people (Baza et al.,2016; Kozielec & Starobrat-Hermelin, 1997;
families which puts them at a disadvantaged population (Razzaque, 2018). This prevalence of ADHD
may be higher to these families not being able to buy foods that contain high levels of magnesium. This
was shown because low-income children had 6.2 times the odds of ADHD than high-income families
(Rowland, 2018). Magnesium is found in many naturally grown foods, but in a low socioeconomic status
country, uptake of these plants may be difficult and expensive to grow. Due to this low intake of
Foods that are high in magnesium include “almonds, bananas, black beans, broccoli, brown rice,
cashews, flaxseed, green vegetables (spinach), nuts, oatmeal, seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflowers)
soybeans, sweet corn, tofu, and whole grains” (Razzaque, 2018). Foods that are high in magnesium have
a reduced intake in low-income families, since they don't have much money to spend, they aren't getting
enough nutrients let alone vitamins and minerals. Ultimately, there is a correlation between ADHD and
magnesium levels so due to the underconsumption of magnesium in low-income countries they have a
Conclusion
In conclusion, research currently states that people with ADHD have a high chance of having a
magnesium deficiency but is not clear about supplementation. Some articles say it's beneficial and some
say that it doesn't do anything. Regarding supplementation, the side effects are unclear and how they
affect our body; there is a gap in the literature about post-supplementation and the effects and possible
side effects and it should be further researched. A deficiency of magnesium in people with ADHD
influence symptoms. Overall, increasing magnesium levels in people with ADHD will help their
Al-Ghamdi, S., Cameron, E., Sutton, R. (1994). Magnesium Deficiency: Pathophysiologic and Clinical Overview,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-6386(12)80667-6.
Baza, F., AlShahawi, R., Zahra, S., AbdelHakim, R. (2016) Magnesium supplementation in children with
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics. Vol. 17 No. 1.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmhg.2015.05.008
Irmisch, G., Thome, J., Reis, O., Häßler, F., & Weirich, S (2011) Modified magnesium and lipoproteins in
children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), The World Journal of Biological
Kozielec, T., & Starobrat-Hermelin, B. (1997). Assessment of magnesium levels in children with attention deficit
Mahmoud, M, El-Mazary, A, Maher, M, & Saber, M (2011). Zinc, ferritin, magnesium, and copper in a group of
Egyptian children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Italian journal of pediatrics, 37, 60.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1824-7288-37-60
Razzaque, M. (2018) Magnesium: Are We Consuming Enough? Nutritional Status and Bone health.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121863
Robberecht, H., Verlaet, A. A. J., Breynaert, A., De Bruyne, T., & Hermans, N. (2020). Magnesium, Iron, Zinc,
Rowland, S., Skipper, J., Rabiner, L., Qeadan, F., Campbell, A., Naftel, J. and Umbach, M. (2018). Attention-
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Interaction between socioeconomic status and parental history
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12775
Tarleton, E (2018). Factors influencing magnesium consumption among adults in the United States, Nutrition