Relationship iron and ADHD
Written by:It is well known the influence of the mineral iron in hemoglobin production processes or diseases such as anemia and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, as well as stimulating the immune system.
Since the Neurology understand this fundamental in mineral dopamine synthesis and as a cofactor for the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. Moreover, it has also linked lack of iron in situations where the brain neurotransmitter involved. In this sense, for the treatment of restless legs syndrome, which responds to dopaminergic drugs, it is very useful and helps iron. Thanks to him there is an improvement in symptoms when the rate of the mineral deposits in tissues is low, even with stable blood levels.
Moreover, it has also been linked to other diseases iron involved in dopamine, Parkinson's disease. Recently, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests the factor of iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation process as a major risk factor in the development of autism in children.
Under this relationship, between iron and neuronal pathology and neurodevelopmental it is impossible to think of another very common condition where the deficit of dopamine plays a leading role: syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Animal studies have shown that the reduction of iron reduces brain dopamine receptors, as well as lower levels of ferritin in children with ADHD detected in controls. Thanks to neuroimaging we see lower levels of brain iron in these patients.
Yet still they require more studies supporting the influence of iron in these neurodevelopmental disorders.
