The Role of Magnesium in Supporting Children with ADHD: What the Research Shows
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting approximately 5–10% of children worldwide. NHS England estimates approximately 2.5 million people in England may have ADHD, of which about 741,000 are children and young people aged 5–24; this aligns with projected UK-wide figures of around 623,000 children under 18 with ADHD.
While behavioural interventions and medication remain the cornerstone of ADHD management, nutritional support is emerging as a valuable adjunct to more traditional treatments.
Among the many nutrients under investigation, magnesium has shown particular promise in modulating symptoms associated with ADHD, such as hyperactivity, irritability, inattention, and sleep disturbances.
Why Magnesium Matters in the ADHD Brain
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body, many of which are critical for brain function and nervous system regulation. It plays a central role in:
Neurotransmitter modulation (especially GABA and glutamate)
Stress response regulation
Muscle and nerve function
Sleep and circadian rhythm
Children with ADHD often experience heightened nervous system reactivity. Magnesium has been shown to act as a natural calmative, helping to buffer the body’s response to stress and overstimulation—two factors frequently present in ADHD presentations.
What Does the Research Say?
Magnesium Deficiency in Children with ADHD: Multiple studies have found that children diagnosed with ADHD frequently have lower serum magnesium levels compared to neurotypical peers:
A 1997 study by Starobrat-Hermelin and Kozielec found that 95% of children with ADHD were magnesium-deficient according to hair, serum, and red blood cell tests. Supplementation led to improvements in hyperactivity and attention span. Another study (Kozielec & Starobrat-Hermelin, 1997 involved children receiving 200 mg of magnesium daily for six months, teachers and parents reported significant reductions in hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
More recently, a 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis (12 studies, 8 using serum/plasma measures) found that children with ADHD have significantly lower magnesium levels in peripheral blood and hair compared to neurotypical controls.
A 2015 Egyptian controlled trial screened children with ADHD—about 72% were magnesium-deficient. The deficient group received supplementation, showing measurable improvements in conners parent rating and executive function tests, with only minor side effects reported
However, forms of magnesium matter; magnesium glycinate and magnesium L‑threonate are noted for better absorption and neurological effects (especially L‑threonate, which may cross the blood-brain barrier)
Further studies look at the role of vitamin D, trials supplementing 3,000 IU/day for 12 weeks or 50,000 IU/week for six weeks (often combined with methylphenidate) showed significant improvements in inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and cognitive function compared to placebo groups with stable medication dosing. randomised, double-blind, placebo‑controlled trial (66 children, 8 weeks) tested co-supplementation of vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day). The intervention group showed significant reductions across emotional issues, conduct problems, peer challenges, externalising/internalising symptoms, and overall behavioural difficulties compared to placebo—while serum levels rose substantially
Observational studies consistently find lower serum vitamin D levels in children with ADHD vs healthy controls.
Magnesium and Behaviour Regulation
Magnesium may indirectly reduce behavioural symptoms by supporting GABAergic transmission—the brain’s natural calming system. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that helps reduce neuronal excitability, and magnesium is required for its proper function.
Research in the Journal of Attention Disorders (2012) highlighted magnesium’s role in reducing aggression, inattention, and restlessness when used alongside omega-3 fatty acids.
Dietary Sources of Magnesium
Before considering supplementation, it’s essential to assess the child’s overall diet. Nutritional interventions should begin with food where possible. Magnesium-rich foods include:
Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Avocados
Black beans and lentils
Bananas
Rolled oats
Almonds and cashews
Whole grains
Given that modern diets often lean heavily on processed foods, magnesium deficiency can be common even in high-income countries.
Should You Supplement?
While magnesium is generally considered safe at appropriate doses, supplementation should be guided by a healthcare provider, ideally after testing serum or red blood cell magnesium levels.
Excess magnesium can cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping—especially with poorly absorbed forms like magnesium oxide. Better-tolerated forms include:
Magnesium glycinate
Magnesium citrate
Magnesium L-threonate (noted for cognitive support)
A Holistic Approach to ADHD
Magnesium is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be an important part of a multi-layered support system that includes behavioural strategies, parent education, sleep hygiene, therapy, and (where needed) medication.
Understanding how nutrients affect brain function gives parents a new way to support their child’s wellbeing—one that is gentle, science-backed, and empowering.
References:
Starobrat-Hermelin B, Kozielec T. (1997). The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Magnes Res., 10(2):149–156.
Kozielec T, Starobrat-Hermelin B. (1997). Assessment of magnesium levels in children with ADHD and the effects of supplementation. Magnes Res., 10(2):143–148.
Goksugur SB, Tufan AE, Semiz M, et al. (2012). Magnesium status in children with ADHD: A pilot study. J Atten Disord., 16(8):658–662.
Pivina L, et al. (2020). The Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disorders. Nutrients. 12(6):1661.