A systematic review of magnesium therapy for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#attention-deficit-disorder-with-hyperactivity #humans #magnesium

A systematic review of magnesium therapy for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Ghanizadeh et al., 2013 | Arch Iran Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Ghanizadeh Ahmad. A systematic review of magnesium therapy for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Arch Iran Med. 2013-Jul;16(7):412-7

Abstract

There are contradictory reports about the association of magnesium and attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, some studies reported that magnesium is effective for treating ADHD. This is the first systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium to treat patients with ADHD. The two databases of MEDLINE/ PubMedline and Google Scholar were electronically searched using the search items and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of the 37 titles, only six studies were experimental interventional studies. However, three of these studies were without any control group. The other three studies were controlled clinical trials. Nevertheless, none of the studies was a randomized double- blind controlled clinical trial. These studies supported that magnesium is effective for treating ADHD. Magnesium monotherapy studies were not found. There is no well- controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of magnesium for treating ADHD. In addition, the safety of magnesium in ADHD is ignored. Therefore, until further strong evidences for its efficacy and safety are provided, magnesium is not recommended for treating ADHD.

Key Findings

Therefore, until further strong evidences for its efficacy and safety are provided, magnesium is not recommended for treating ADHD.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population adhd
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
  • Humans
  • Magnesium

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium-adhd

Provenance

  • PMID: 23808779
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09