Benefits of Vitamin D for ADHD Include Improved Hyperactivity, Attention: Meta-Analysis
August 20, 2025Vitamin D supplementation is associated with decreased ADHD symptoms, including lower levels of hyperactivity and inattention in children, finds a new meta-analysis.1 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.On his YouTube channel, Russell Barkley, Ph.D., reviewed the research findings and said, “A significant subset of children with ADHD have lower vitamin D levels than typical children and this group especially might be the ones most targeted for this kind of supplementation.”Abnormally low levels of vitamin D have been linked to ADHD in several studies, among them a meta-analysis of eight trials.
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