Low iron level is associated with sleep disorder, depression, low IQ, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, delayed development, and mental retardation, which are all common in kids with ADHD.

Iron deficiency in children is more concerning than in adults because an iron deficiency in young children can lead to a permanently lower intelligent quotient (IQ) score, developmental delays, and behavioral issues.

Iron is also needed in making dopamine and melatonin. Kids with low ferritin also seem to need a higher dose of ADHD medication to calm down.

Therefore, early detection and iron supplementation in children is important and may help or even prevent some types of ADHD by positively influencing dopamine neuron development in the early developmental stages.

Children with low ferritin levels (below 50 ng per mL [50 μg per L]) are also more likely to suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is a disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially in the evening or nighttime while sitting or lying down.

According to one study, up to 44% of subjects with ADHD have restless leg syndrome or restless leg syndrome symptoms, and up to 26% of subjects with restless leg syndrome have ADHD or ADHD symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome can also present as unusual feelings in their legs (like itching, crawling, pulling, aching, throbbing, or pins and needles) with an intense urge to move their legs to make the sensations go away.

Children with RLS may also present with conduct problems including aggression, inattention, hyperactivity, and daytime drowsiness because of poor sleep quality at night.

Symptoms and treatment seem to overlap between ADHD and restless leg syndrome. Both of these disorders can present with irritability, mood changes, hyperactivity, inattention, and motor restlessness.

The sleep disruption caused by RLS might lead to inattentiveness, moodiness, restlessness, and inattention, which might mimic ADHD symptoms.

Doctors often consider restless leg syndrome as a sleep disorder because it usually happens or gets worse while you’re at rest. You might have trouble sleeping or sitting for a long time, such as in a theater or in the car.

Both restless leg and ADHD respond to dopaminergic agents, which means dopaminergic deficits may be a possible underlying for both RLS and ADHD. Children with ADHD suspected of restless legs syndrome should be evaluated for restless leg syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), and obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) by a sleep specialist or a pediatric neurologist.

Well, it seems like most kids with ADHD have the urge to move anyway. Is that a coincidence?

Iron is an important mineral involved in brain function because it is a key cofactor in the making of neurotransmitters or brain chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and especially dopamine.

Multiple studies have now shown that low levels of serum iron and ferritin (storage iron) is associated with ADHD symptoms in children compared to control children without ADHD. And iron supplementation has also been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD.

Iron supplements not only can help to improve ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity control, hyperactivity, aggression, but it may also help to make ADHD medication more effective. So less medication is needed and less side effects.

Having adequate iron also prevent lead poisoning, which is a possible cause of ADHD symptoms.

Studies have estimated the incidence of restless leg symptoms (RLS) in people with ADHD is up 44%. In chidden with RLS and low ferritin level (less than 40ng/mL), iron supplementation was found to be effective in improving ADHD symptoms.

Given the high comorbidity, children with ADHD should be screened for RLS.

Anyone with newly diagnosed RLS or RLS patients with a recent exacerbation of symptoms should have their serum ferritin levels measured.

Serum iron is iron swimming freely in the blood stream, while ferritin is a protein that contains iron and is the primary form of iron stored inside of cells. The small amount of ferritin that is released and circulates in the blood is a good reflection of the total amount of iron stored in the body. 

This present study looked at the effects of iron supplementation on ADHD in children. 23 non-anemic children (aged 5-8 years) with serum ferritin levels <30 ng/mL who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD were randomized to either oral iron (ferrous sulfate, 80 mg/day, n = 18) or placebo (n = 5) for 12 weeks.

There was a progressive significant decrease in the ADHD symptoms after 12 weeks on iron supplementation, but not on placebo.

Iron supplementation (iron sulfate 80 mg/day) appeared to improve ADHD symptoms in children with low serum ferritin levels. Iron therapy was well tolerated and effectiveness is comparable to stimulants.

***80mg iron sulfate = 16mg elemental iron

Both Floradix Liquid Iron Supplement and BlueIron Liquid Mineral Supplement are excellent iron supplements that taste great, gentle on the stomach and easy to absorb. The dose of these are similar to the study mentioned above.

• Animal protein
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Shellfish
• Dark green vegetables
• Dried fruits
• Nuts
• Beans
• Seeds

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below. 

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

If you’re just starting out on this natural ADHD treatment journey and still in the research phase, check out my new book Eat to Focus. Inside this book, you’ll learn why your ADHD child is always hungry, why he or she seems addicted to milk and bread, the underlying causes of ADHD, and the most effective ADHD treatment that addresses all the causes to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and anxiety while improving focus and calmness in your ADHD child. 

Don’t forget to download your free gift 15 Quick & Simple ADHD-Friendly Breakfast Ideas before you leave.