Zinc for ADHD
Essential trace mineral and cofactor for over 300 enzymes; supports immune cell function, wound healing, and testosterone synthesis, with topical and oral forms used for acne.
Zinc for ADHD
2 of 5 results reported a benefit, from 2 published studies.
2 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 2 reported a benefit
- 3 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- ADHD symptomsModerate effectmoderately better than the comparison group1 review of trials2022 study ↗
- Hyperactivity symptomsNo clear differencelarge standardised effect1 review of trials2022 study ↗
- Inattention symptomsNo clear differenceslight standardised effect1 review of trials2022 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (1)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Thinking test performanceReported a benefit1 randomised trial2011 study ↗
1 laboratory marker also measured
- Copper and iron blood levels · lab markerNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedZinc glycinate (30 mg/day) did not significantly improve Copper and iron blood indices from baseline (before-after within one group) in 52 (8 weeks).1 randomised trial2011 study ↗
Side effects: measured in 1 result. No result reported more side effects than the comparison group.
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: persistent inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that disrupts daily life.
Also known as: Zinc Picolinate, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Citrate
Zinc × ADHD: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Zinc / ADHD: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 2 |
| No benefit | 4 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Systematic review | 3 |
| Randomised trial | 3 |
- Studies
- 2
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The effect of zinc supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and dose-response meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trials. (PMID 34184967) | ADHD total scores | SMD: -0.62 Hedges' g | 95% CI: -1.24 to -0.002, p = 0.04 | Not reported |
| The effect of zinc supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and dose-response meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trials. (PMID 34184967) | hyperactivity scores | SMD: -0.93 Hedges' g | 95% CI: -3.31 to 1.45, p = 0.44 | Not reported |
| The effect of zinc supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and dose-response meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trials. (PMID 34184967) | inattention scores | SMD: 0.21 Hedges' g | 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.51, p = 0.17 | Not reported |
| Zinc for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: placebo-controlled double-blind pilot trial alone and combined with amphetamine. (PMID 21309695) | Copper and iron blood indices | Not reported | Not reported | 8 weeks |
| Zinc for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: placebo-controlled double-blind pilot trial alone and combined with amphetamine. (PMID 21309695) | Objective neuropsychological measures | d = 0.36-0.7 | Not reported | 13 weeks |
| Zinc for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: placebo-controlled double-blind pilot trial alone and combined with amphetamine. (PMID 21309695) | Safety tests and adverse events | Not reported | Not reported | 13 weeks |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 34184967 2022 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 489Duration: Not reported | ADHD total scores | SMD: -0.62 Hedges' g (95% CI: -1.24 to -0.002, p = 0.04) | Benefit |
| PMID 34184967 2022 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 489Duration: Not reported | hyperactivity scores | SMD: -0.93 Hedges' g (95% CI: -3.31 to 1.45, p = 0.44) | No benefit |
| PMID 34184967 2022 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 489Duration: Not reported | inattention scores | SMD: 0.21 Hedges' g (95% CI: -0.09 to 0.51, p = 0.17) | No benefit |
| PMID 21309695 2011 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 52Duration: 8 weeks | Copper and iron blood indices | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 21309695 2011 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 52Duration: 13 weeks | Objective neuropsychological measures | d = 0.36-0.7 | Benefit |
| PMID 21309695 2011 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 52Duration: 13 weeks | Safety tests and adverse events | Not reported | No benefit |
Zinc × ADHD: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Dietary patterns, metabolic pathways and metainflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic reviewCelik E, et al. · Frontiers in immunology · 2026PMID 42233037 ↗02Effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age: a systematic review of randomized controlled trialsRobinson J, et al. · Nutrition reviews · 2025PMID 38684926 ↗03Efficiency of Different Supplements in Alleviating Symptoms of ADHD with or Without the Use of Stimulants: A Systematic ReviewAl Shahab S, et al. · Nutrients · 2025PMID 40362791 ↗04Safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysisZhou P, et al. · PloS one · 2024PMID 38547138 ↗05Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescentsGillies D, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2023PMID 37058600 ↗06An ancestral molecular response to nanomaterial particulatesDel Giudice G, et al. · Nature nanotechnology · 2023PMID 37157020 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.