Now, just as you're savoring your successes, the latest research suggests that low levels of iron can worsen attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. You know how important iron is to the body, carrying oxygen to the muscles and organs.
Many American children have abnormally low levels of vitamin D. Newer research shows that children with ADHD have lower vitamin D levels than children without the condition. One study showed that expectant mothers with low vitamin D levels had a higher likelihood of their children having ADHD.
Deficiency of iron is reported to cause several behavioural disturbances in children. These children are irritable, disruptive, have a short attention span and lack interest in the surroundings.
Without sufficient levels of iron, the body lacks oxygen and struggles to carry out basic daily activities. The most common symptoms of anemia are fatigue and an inability to focus.
Conclusions These results suggest that low iron stores contribute to ADHD and that ADHD children may benefit from iron supplementation.
Mental health issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and conditions such as paranoia and diminished cognitive function, are linked with iron deficiency. In fact, as per a research published in 'Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences', iron deficiency is associated with higher psychological distress.
Iron deficiency in children under two years of age can have significant and irreversible effects on brain development. This can lead to negative consequences on learning and school performance later in life.
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Sometimes children also have pica, which is when they start chewing or eating non-food stuffs such as soil, wood or paper. "I've seen children eating … mud or peeling paint, which obviously isn't normal," Dr Unni said. "Any abnormal food craving should raise an alarm."
Millions of US children have been diagnosed with ADHD
Boys (13%) are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (6%). Black, non-Hispanic children and White, non-Hispanic children are more often diagnosed with ADHD (12% and 10%, respectively), than Hispanic children (8%) or Asian, non-Hispanic children (3%).
Furthermore, fatigability and insomnia caused by chronic iron deficiency may have induced a state that is predisposed to anxiety, low concentration, and/or depression.
Brain iron deficiency is associated with disruption of neurophysiological mechanisms that, within a social context that does not provide regular stimuli, compromises motor and cognitive development (e.g., impaired motor sequencing and bi-manual coordination, poor executive function, attention, and memory).
Yes, there is a strong connection between iron deficiency and mood swings. "Iron deficiency can lead to cognitive issues in children. In adults, it has been associated with mood disorders and anxiety disorders, fogginess in thinking. Depression can occur in association with iron deficiency.
Absolutely! Iron is important for nerve cell and neurotransmitter system maturation in the developing brain, and its deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to behavioral problems after birth.
Those that are anemic are placing their body under a great deal of stress, and this often sends messages to the brain to be more anxious. Further, the brain may not be getting enough healthy blood, and the symptoms of anxiety (such as heart palpitations) may cause anxiousness on their own.
Low iron intake resulting from diet and accelerated iron loss, which occurs through bleeding or breastfeeding, are the main causes of iron deficiency. The first symptoms of iron deficiency anemia tend to be neurological resulting in brain fog and fatigue.
Tea, coffee and wine contain tannins that reduce iron absorption by binding to the iron and carrying it out of the body. Phytates and fibres found in wholegrains such as bran can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals.
Iron-deficiency anemia may cause you to look pale and feel tired, or you may not have any symptoms at first. But if your anemia goes untreated, it can cause serious complications. When you don't have enough red blood cells, your heart has to work harder to get enough oxygen to your organs.
Babies are born with iron stored in their bodies. Because they grow rapidly, infants and toddlers need to absorb a lot of iron each day. Iron deficiency anemia most commonly affects babies 9 through 24 months old. Breastfed babies need less iron because iron is absorbed better when it is in breast milk.
You can inherit genes that boost risk for ADHD from your mother, from your father or from both parents. In a recent Norwegian study, inherited risk was somewhat higher when a child's mother had ADHD compared to their father, but researchers weren't certain why that would be.