Vitamin–mineral treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial

British Journal of Psychiatry
Q1
Apr 2014
Citations:111
Influential Citations:3
Interventional (Human) Studies
90
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Enhanced Details

Methods
Double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 80 participants with ADHD (42 in micronutrient group, 38 in placebo); adults with ADHD (mean ages ~34–36 years), with some participants under 18 (n=7); mixed gender distribution with baseline imbalances (more males in placebo); comorbidity common (mood and anxiety disorders); largely medication-free at baseline; 8-week intervention; outcome measures included CAARS self-, observer-, and clinician-rated scales, CGI-I, MADRS, GAF, LIFE-RIFT.
Intervention
EMPowerplus broad-spectrum micronutrient formula (36 ingredients); 15 capsules per day, in three doses of 5 capsules taken with food and water; duration 8 weeks.
Results
Micronutrient treatment produced significant improvements in ADHD symptoms on self- and observer-rated CAARS DSM-IV totals versus placebo after 8 weeks (self-report P=0.009; observer P=0.026; effect sizes ~0.59–0.61). Clinician-rated ADHD did not differ. CGI-I-ADHD and CGI-I-Overall Impression, and GAF favored micronutrients. About 64% in the micronutrient group achieved ≥50% improvement on at least one CAARS subscale versus 37% in placebo (OR 3.1, P=0.014). Adverse events did not differ; prolactin increased modestly but remained within normal range. Mood improvements were not significant overall, though greater mood improvement occurred among those with moderate-to-severe baseline depression. Authors conclude this provides preliminary evidence of efficacy and safety for broad-spectrum micronutrients in treating ADHD symptoms in adults, warranting larger, longer-term trials.
Limitations
Small, short-duration study (8 weeks); inclusion of participants under 18 (n=7); baseline gender and anxiety-disorder imbalances; generalizability limited to largely unmedicated adults with ADHD and comorbidity; measurement variability across raters; lack of long-term safety/efficacy data.

Abstract

Background The role of nutrition in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is gaining international attention; however, treatments have generally focused only on diet restriction or supplementing with one nutrient at a time....