Condition
    Limited
    Effectiveness 3/5

    Zinc for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

    Zinc deficiency is more common in children with ADHD in some populations, and adjunctive zinc has shown small benefits in a few trials from zinc-deficient regions. Evidence does not support zinc as a standalone ADHD treatment.

    Overview

    Zinc deficiency is more common in children with ADHD in some populations, and adjunctive zinc has shown small benefits in a few trials from zinc-deficient regions. Evidence does not support zinc as a standalone ADHD treatment.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Zinc is a cofactor for enzymes involved in dopamine metabolism and is required for the synthesis of melatonin, which in turn regulates dopamine function. It also modulates the dopamine transporter, the target of stimulant medication, giving a specific mechanistic link to ADHD pharmacology. Zinc additionally acts as a modulator at NMDA and GABA-A receptors, influencing the excitation-inhibition balance. As with other micronutrients, these mechanisms predict benefit from correcting deficiency rather than from supplementing children whose zinc status is already adequate.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    15-30mg elemental zinc daily with food
    Expected timeframe
    Not established

    Protocol

    form
    Zinc gluconate or sulfate with food if correcting deficiency
    duration
    Not established
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Trials of zinc in ADHD come mostly from populations with widespread zinc deficiency - Iran and Turkey - where 15-40 mg/day of elemental zinc produced modest improvements in hyperactivity and impulsivity, sometimes as an adjunct to stimulant medication. Trials in zinc-replete Western children have not replicated this. Zinc is a cofactor for dopamine and melatonin metabolism, which makes the hypothesis plausible, but the effect appears to be correction of deficiency rather than a treatment effect.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable as an established treatment. Checking and correcting a documented zinc deficiency at 15-30 mg elemental zinc daily with food is reasonable on its own merits

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Trials from Turkey and Iran, regions with relatively high rates of zinc deficiency, have reported that zinc supplementation - alone or added to methylphenidate - modestly improved hyperactivity and impulsivity scores, while trials in well-nourished Western populations have generally found no benefit. Case-control studies report lower serum zinc in children with ADHD in some but not all cohorts. Systematic reviews conclude that evidence is insufficient to recommend routine zinc supplementation for ADHD, while noting it may be reasonable where deficiency is documented. Chronic zinc supplementation above roughly 40mg daily can induce copper deficiency, so unmonitored long-term dosing in children is not advisable.

    The Role of Iron and Zinc in the Treatment of ADHD among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

    Score: 7/10
    2021
    systematic_review

    Granero R, Pardo-Garrido A, Carpio-Toro IL +3 more

    Altered levels of iron and zinc have been related with the aggravation and progression of ADHD.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Randomised trial evidence in ADHD is sparse and inconsistent; benefit is most plausible in children with documented zinc deficiency rather than as a general treatment.

    Less likely to help if

    Children who are zinc replete, in whom trials show no benefit.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.