ADHD is a brain disorder that contains a combination of difficulties including inattention and/or hyperactivity/restlessness and impulsive behavior (1). It is a common problem that can occur in children and may continue into adulthood. ADHD can interfere with academic and job performance (e.g., the ability to stay focused while reading, pay attention during lectures and meetings, or be on time for important events); impair social, peer, or family relationships; and increase risk-taking behaviors.

While genetic factors are known to be one of the primary causes of ADHD, there are other things that contribute, such as the interactions with environmental and socioeconomic factors (a complicated puzzle!). It has also been indicated that ADHD can be caused by a person’s physiology, namely low iron and low ferritin, which stores iron inside the cells for later use. Over the past few years, research has demonstrated a strong relationship between low iron, low ferritin and ADHD as well as poor cognitive development and/or behavioral problems (2).

In fact, in a study conducted in 2014, Bener and colleagues were one of the first to investigate blood levels of iron, ferritin, vitamin D, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, and ADHD with its associated risk factors. The researchers found that children with ADHD had lower levels of iron and lower levels of ferritin than those without ADHD.

Their study looked at 630 children aged 5-18 with ADHD and a control group of 630 non-ADHD children matched on age, gender, and ethnicity. The results indicated that low iron and low ferritin levels are associated with ADHD and therefore must be assessed when a child (or adult) is struggling with academic problems resulting from inattention alone or in combination with hyperactivity/restlessness.