Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is said to affect almost 1 out of every 10 children in the United States, according to the CDC. Its main symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and many of these symptoms can persist into adulthood.

Studies have found that children with ADHD tend to have lower levels of both vitamin D and magnesium than those without ADHD, and supplementation with magnesium, vitamin D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, and zinc have shown beneficial for these children.

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial by Hemamy et al. enrolled 66 children with ADHD to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on their mental and behavioral health status. The children were between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, not currently taking any multivitamin or mineral supplements, had a baseline vitamin D level below 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/L) and a serum magnesium level below 2.3 mg/dL, and had been diagnosed with ADHD based on at least 6 of 9 of both inattention and hyperactivity cases. They were also excluded if they had been suffering from any chronic medical or other psychiatric disorders.

The 33 children assigned to the co-supplement group received both vitamin D (50,000 IU per week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg per day), while 33 other children of similar health characteristics were given placebos. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, with before and after measurements for emotional problems, conduct problems, peer problems, prosocial score, total difficulties, externalizing score, and internalizing score completed by parents using a strength and difficulties questionnaire.

After 8 weeks, children in the co-supplementation group had significant increases in both magnesium and vitamin D levels, as well as significant reductions in emotional problems (p = 0.001), conduct problems (p = 0.002), peer problems (p = 0.001), prosocial score (p = 0.007), total difficulties (p = 0.001), externalizing score (p = 0.001), and internalizing score (p = 0.001).

Compared to the placebo group, the children receiving vitamin D and magnesium co-supplementation had significantly better

Overall supplement compliance was high among both groups, and no side effects were seen from vitamin D or magnesium supplementation.

Children and teens are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; 93% of children in the general US population have vitamin D levels below 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L), 16% of whom are below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L). Enroll your child in the Children of the World D*action project to measure their vitamin D level and other nutrient levels (including magnesium) from home and learn how to help them avoid deficiency.

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Choose which additional nutrients to measure, such as your omega-3s and essential minerals including magnesium and zinc, by creating your custom home test kit today. Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. With measurement you can then determine how much is needed and steps to achieve your goals. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.

The eBook, Vitamin D & COVID-19, A Summary of Published Research, is a condensed and concise compilation of much of the published research on vitamin D and COVID-19, easy to read and share as a downloadable, printable PDF. Your purchase helps to further public knowledge and education of this invaluable research! Be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and importance of vitamin D for immune health, and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones are getting enough.

Don't get stuck with low vitamin D levels - learn more about what might affect your level and response to supplementation, and the steps to take through each season to keep levels in your target range.

Have a beautiful and HEALTHY day.

Onwards,