Adjuvant Effects of Vitamin A and Vitamin D Supplementation on Treatment of Children With ADHD

Around 7.2% of children around the world are suffering from ADHD. On account of current medical treatment, a high remission rate can be reached for ADHD. Nevertheless, patients have to face a number of side effects associated with the treatment. It was informed that patients of ADHD have a tendency to vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy to methylphenidate on symptoms of ADHD. 504 subjects aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of ADHD based on DSM-5 criteria are randomly assigned into three groups to receive vitamin A 6000 IU/day and vitamin D 2100 IU/day, or vitamin D 2100 IU/day or placebo adding to methylphenidate for 8 weeks. Symptoms severity is assessed by Vanderbilt Assessment Scales and Questionnaire - Children with Difficulties at weeks 0, 4, and 8. Serum levels of retinol and 25(OH)D are measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. All the other sociodemographic data are assessed. The study can give more references on the application of vitamin A and vitamin D in addition to methylphenidate to ADHD. Future research is needed to clarify mechanism of vitamin A and vitamin D on ADHD.