Could iron pills ease ADHD and restless legs in children?
NCT ID NCT04144790
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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, United States
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