08/05/2026
In clinic, we are often asked about Iron and ADHD. It is a really interesting area of research, but it needs to be carefully considered.
The research does not show that low iron causes ADHD.
What it does suggest is that some people with ADHD, particularly children in the published studies, may have lower ferritin levels, which can reflect lower iron stores.
This matters because iron supports oxygen transport, energy, brain development, sleep, and dopamine pathways.
For women and menstruating people with ADHD, this can be especially relevant.
Low iron can show up as fatigue, brain fog, low mood, poor concentration, restless sleep, dizziness, cold hands and feet, or reduced exercise tolerance.
And of course, many of those symptoms can overlap with ADHD, stress, burnout, hormone changes or poor sleep.
That is why I always come back to this:
Don’t guess. Test.
Iron can be incredibly helpful when someone needs it.
But it is not something to supplement blindly, because too much iron can also be harmful for some people with underlying conditions.
If this sounds familiar, speak to your GP or practitioner and ask whether iron testing is appropriate.
