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Could iron pills ease ADHD and restless legs in children?

NCT ID NCT04144790

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether giving iron supplements to children with ADHD, restless legs syndrome, and low iron levels could improve their symptoms. Twelve kids aged 10-15 took iron for 3 months. Researchers measured changes in brain iron, blood iron, and symptoms using sleep monitors and parent reports.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ferrous sulfate (iron supplement)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple iron supplement as a way to ease ADHD and restless legs symptoms in children with low iron.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, completed study with only 12 children. Results may not apply to all kids, and iron supplements can cause stomach upset or other side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder iron deficiency anemia periodic limb movement disorder restless legs syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADHD IRON DEFICIENCY PERIODIC LIMB MOVEMENT SLEEP DISORDER RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kennedy Krieger Institute

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, United States