Comparison of serum vitamin D levels among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and healthy children

Introduction:One of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders in children is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which according to diagnostic criteria, it includes high symptoms, attention deficit disorder and impulsivity. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and healthy children. Method:This case-control study was conducted in a sample of 70 patients, including 35 cases and 35 controls in the range of 4 to 12 years old. Data was analyzed by SPSS-20 statistical software and descriptive statistics (absolute and relative frequency, mean and standard deviation), and qualitative analytical objectives of Chi-square and Fisher test and for comparison of mean serum in two groups, T-test was used. Results:The results of the study showed that 64.3% of the children in the study group were female and 35.7% were boys. The mean age of the patients with ADHD was 7.971 ± 1.56 and in the control group was 6.486 ± 1.4years.The results showed that the mean level of vitamin D in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (98.8 ± 26.514), while the mean in healthy children (3636163636) which there was statistically significant (P ≥ 0.001) between two groups. The average level of vitamin D in ADHD subtypes and ADHD severity was different, but there was no significant (p≤0.05) difference between the mean serum levels in patients with severity and type of hyperactivity. Conclusion:The results of this study showed that the level of vitamin D in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is especially mild and severe, with a lower average, and also a low level of vitamin D intake. So, considering maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation,child nutrition, parent awareness and the use of vitamin D supplements may be effective in reducing the risk of hyperactivity disorder in children.