Some research suggests that magnesium supplementation may help improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults, but more research is necessary.
ADHD can affect a person’s focus and may cause hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention. Treatment may involve medications and behavioral therapy to manage someone’s symptoms, but some research suggests magnesium may also have beneficial effects.
People should always consult a doctor before taking magnesium supplements, as they can interact with other medications and may cause adverse effects in high doses.
This article explains the potential benefits and risks of using magnesium for ADHD and information about some other natural ways to manage symptoms.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
A 2019 meta-analysis found that people with ADHD had lower magnesium levels in the blood than those without ADHD. Based on these findings, the authors suggested that magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for people with ADHD.
However, the authors highlight several limitations in their research, including a small number of eligible studies. They call for further research into ADHD and magnesium levels.
A small 2025 study suggests that lower magnesium levels may correlate with increased ADHD severity, potentially supporting the benefits of supplementation for symptom management.
Another
The children who received the supplements showed a significant increase in magnesium and vitamin D levels in the blood and a significant decrease in the following ADHD symptoms:
- conduct problems
- social problems
- anxiety and shyness
The study authors suggest magnesium plays an important role in regulating various brain functions and ensuring the proper function of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, making it a potential therapeutic agent for ADHD.
Some researchers suggest low levels of dopaminergic receptors
It is always important to speak with a doctor before taking magnesium supplements, particularly if someone has a health condition.
Certain medications that a doctor may prescribe for ADHD, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall), may interact with various vitamins and supplements.
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Extremely high intake can cause irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest.
The
| Life stage | Magnesium dosage |
|---|---|
| 7 to 12 months | 75 mg |
| 1 to 3 years | 80 mg |
| 4 to 8 years | 130 mg |
| 9 to 13 years | 240 mg |
| females ages 14 to 18 years | 360 mg |
| males ages 14 to 18 years | 410 mg |
| adult females | 310 to 320 mg |
| adult males | 400 to 420 mg |
| pregnant teenagers | 400 mg |
| pregnant adults | 350 to 360 mg |
Magnesium supplement dosages for ADHD vary in research. In the 2020 study, participants took 6 mg of magnesium per kilogram of body weight for 8 weeks.
However, a 2024 review warns that high quality, large-scale, longitudinal studies are necessary to support magnesium supplementation for ADHD, including optimal supplement types, dosages, and durations for safe and effective clinical use.
Research suggests that the following vitamins and supplements may also be helpful for people with ADHD:
Vitamin D
In the
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
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Iron
A 2022 study investigated the effect of iron supplementation in 116 children with ADHD.
In the study, 52 children (45%) were deficient in iron. Of these 52 children, 26 received iron supplements, and 26 received a placebo. Most of the children were also taking medication for ADHD.
Following the 12-week study period, parental reports indicated a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms among children in the treatment group versus the placebo group. However, teacher reports indicated no difference.
A 2021 systematic review of iron and zinc in ADHD treatment cautions that further research is needed to support the use of mineral supplementation as an effective add-on treatment for ADHD.
Magnesium and other important vitamins and minerals
The review authors conclude that more research is necessary to support supplements as an ADHD remedy. However, people with ADHD may benefit from a balanced diet that limits or eliminates foods such as:
- candy
- red or processed meats
- refined grains
- fried foods
- soft drinks
People can speak with a healthcare professional if they are interested in making dietary adjustments as a way to potentially manage ADHD symptoms.
A person can speak with a doctor if they believe that they or their child may have ADHD.
In children, ADHD symptoms may interfere with home or school life and friendships. Seeking help from a qualified psychiatrist can help reduce the impact of ADHD on a child’s academic and social life.
A person should also talk with a doctor if they are taking ADHD medication or any other type of medication and would like to start taking a supplement. A doctor can advise whether a particular supplement is safe to take.
No current studies have tested whether there is a most suitable time to take magnesium supplements for ADHD. People can speak with a qualified healthcare professional for more advice on the best dosage and time to take it.
Some research suggests that people with ADHD have lower levels of magnesium than people without ADHD. However, not everyone with ADHD will have a magnesium deficiency.
People can speak with their doctor if they have concerns about their magnesium levels.
Magnesium naturally occurs in various foods, including dairy items, legumes, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. According to the NIH, many manufacturers will also add magnesium to foods, such as breakfast cereals.
Some research suggests that people with ADHD may be deficient in magnesium. Some of this research also suggests that magnesium supplementation can help improve certain symptoms of ADHD in children and adults.
Magnesium plays an important role in regulating neurotransmitters and important brain functions. This may contribute to the supplement’s potential benefits for people with ADHD.
Certain supplements can interact with the medications a person takes. Anyone taking ADHD medication or any other type of medication should consult their doctor before starting a supplement.