Vitamin D Improves Hyperactivity & Attention
Children with ADHD who took vitamin D experienced improved hyperactivity and attention, finds a new meta-analysis.
ADDitude reports new meta-analysis that found that Vitamin D supplementation is associated with decreased ADHD symptoms, including lower levels of hyperactivity and inattention in children. The research builds on previous studies that found relatively lower levels of vitamin D in children with ADHD than in their neurotypical peers.
The meta-analysis reviewed six studies of children with ADHD who received vitamin D supplements or placebos. The children treated with vitamin D exhibited decreased ADHD symptoms (SMD=-0.59), including lower scores of hyperactivity (SMD=-0.64) and inattention (SMD=-0.6) with no significant side effects. Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was used to measure the effect of the supplementation.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D should be pursued as an adjuvant to methylphenidate for children with ADHD. “Given the robust evidence and well-structured, randomized controlled trials, we strongly advocate for the integration of vitamin D supplementation with ADHD treatment,” wrote the authors of the review.
– James Kustow, BMedSci, BMBS, MRCPsych
Abnormally low levels of vitamin D have been linked to ADHD in several studies, among them a meta-analysis of eight trials. All of the trials reviewed found significantly lower serum concentrations of vitamin D in individuals with an ADHD diagnosis compared to controls (SMD = − 0.73).
A study published earlier this year in Frontiers in Psychology, found that Vitamin D insufficiency worsens sleep problems in children with ADHD, impairing sleep quality and worsening sleep-disordered breathing.
Source:
Benefits of Vitamin D for ADHD Include Improved Hyperactivity, Attention: Meta-Analysis, Nicole C. Kear, ADDitude, 20 August 2025.
