Monday, December 18, 2006
Do you think magnesium supplements can help with ADHD? I’ve heard that even kids on a healthy diet can have low magnesium levels, and that their ADHD symptoms get better when they’re given supplements. Is it safe to try magnesium and see if it helps?
Magnesium is a mineral that is in part responsible for the formation of bones, regulation of body temperature, energy metabolism and nerve/muscle function. The majority of the body’s magnesium is found in bones. Some people claim that magnesium supplements increase energy levels.
However, I don’t know of any research suggesting that magnesium improves attention, impulse control or self-regulation. Furthermore, research suggests that there is no known benefit in consuming more than 600 milligrams of magnesium each day. Excessive magnesium intake can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress.
Not a single study to date supports magnesium as an effective treatment for ADHD. You should speak with your child’s pediatrician before administering magnesium or any other over-the-counter supplements or additives reported to improve learning and behavior.
Learn more in the Everyday Health ADD/ADHD Center.
Last Updated: 12/18/2006