Iron is required for many functions in the body and brain including oxygen transport, immune function, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency can aggravate ADHD symptoms such as lack of focus and attention and mood regulation.
Iron is a co-factor for Tyrosine and Tryptophan. Two nutrients needed to make dopamine and serotonin. It is also needed to keep the balance of glutamate and GABA right in the brain. Low levels of GABA can lead to anxiety.
One study indicated that low serum iron, ferritin levels, and vitamin D deficiency may be associated with ADHD. Iron deficiency can affect emotional behavior and mental health. Research indicates that iron deficiency could increase the risk of developmental disorders like ADHD in babies and children and suggest that supplementing from an early age can help prevent the onset of ADHD.
In adults, iron deficiency is reported to be as high as 30% and is responsible for contributing towards mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders as well as aggravate ADHD symptoms such as lack of focus and attention and mood regulation.
There are many causes for iron deficiency, but the most common is vitamin-deficiency anemia, which results from a lack Vitamin B12 and folate (B9). These two nutrients are necessary for red blood cell production. Genetic mutations in the Methylation pathway can contribute towards low levels of B Vitamins which can in turn affect Iron levels.
Genetic testing
Low iron or anemia can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, brain fog, poor concentration, irritability, fatigue and low energy. Various genetics such as MTHFR, MTRR, FUT2, TCN1 and TCN2 can affect your B12 levels. MTHFR, DHFR, MTHRD1 can impact Folate. A diet low in B12 and B9 will contribute to any genetic mutations you have. Blood tests to check your Iron, (iron studies including ferritin)Active B12 and Methylmalonic Acid (MMA), a complete blood count and RBC folate can help to determine any deficiencies.
Contact me for information on genetic testing or feedback.
sources:
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Konofal E, Lecendreux M, Deron J, Marchand M, Cortese S, Zaïm M, Mouren MC, Arnulf I. Effects of iron supplementation on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Pediatr Neurol. 2008 Jan;38(1):20-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2007.08.014. PMID: 18054688.
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Kim J, Wessling-Resnick M. Iron and mechanisms of emotional behavior. J Nutr Biochem. 2014 Nov;25(11):1101-1107. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.07.003. Epub 2014 Aug 2. PMID: 25154570; PMCID: PMC4253901.
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Bener A, Kamal M, Bener H, Bhugra D. Higher prevalence of iron deficiency as strong predictor of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2014 Sep;4(Suppl 3):S291-7. doi: 10.4103/2141-9248.141974. PMID: 25364604; PMCID: PMC4212392.