Exploration of serum B vitamin levels in children with ADHD and their correlation with clinical symptoms

Objective To investigate the heterogeneity of serum B vitamin levels and different subtypes of B vitamin levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to analyse the correlation between their behavioural problems and B vitamin levels. METHODS Seventy-three children with ADHD who attended the clinic from 08/2020 to 07/2021 were selected, and serum vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, PA, PLP, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 levels were measured in the 2 groups of children. The Conners Parental Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to assess the behavioural symptoms of the children with ADHD. Results 1. Serum vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, PA, PLP, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the ADHD group than in the healthy control group (all P<0.05), and the difference in vitamin B1 levels was not statistically significant (P>0.05). 2. Vitamin B5 levels were positively correlated with psychosomatic disorders, PA levels were positively correlated with psychosomatic disorders, vitamin B9 levels were negatively correlated with learning problems and vitamin B12 levels were positively correlated with conduct problems in children with ADHD (all P<0.05). Conclusion 1. Serum levels of vitamin B2, B3, B5, PA, PLP, B9 and B12 in children with ADHD were significantly lower than those in healthy children of the same age; 2. There was a correlation between B vitamin levels and clinical symptoms in children with ADHD.
Keywords: ADHD; B vitamins; clinical symptoms; children