The Effects of Magnesium Levels on ADHD Symptoms

Bri Rehborg

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Grand Canyon University

NSC-419: Advanced Nutrition

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,

and cognitive function will improve.

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-

supplemented group showed improvements in cognitive functions.

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

been shown to improve cognitive function and improve quality of life.

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).

Magnesium is a critical mineral in energy-requiring metabolic processes, prevention of dysrhythmia,

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;

Mahmoud et al., 2011).

 There have been studies that have reported a higher prevalence of ADHD among low-income

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

magnesium, there is a higher prevalence of ADHD in low-income countries.

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

higher possibility of having ADHD.

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

symptoms to become more manageable, and cognitive function will improve.

 References

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