Supplements / ADHD
Broad-spectrum micronutrients: what the MADDY trial tested.
A placebo-controlled trial of a multi-nutrient formula reported more “responders” than placebo by clinician rating—but not by parent rating. Here is the fine print.
Source-linked information, not individual medical advice. A qualified clinician should review this health content before public launch. Do not start, stop or change a supplement or treatment based on this page.
THE USEFUL DISTINCTION
In an 8-week trial analyzing 126 children aged 6–12 with ADHD and irritability, 54% on micronutrients were rated “much” or “very much” improved by clinicians, compared with 18% on placebo.[1]
What was tested?
The MADDY study gave a broad-spectrum vitamin-and-mineral formula or placebo to children who were not taking ADHD medication and who had at least one impairing irritability symptom. It ran at three North American sites.[1]
The trial had two main outcomes. Blinded clinicians’ overall ratings favored micronutrients; a parent-rated composite score covering ADHD, oppositional, mood-dysregulation and peer-conflict symptoms did not show the same benefit. Children on micronutrients also grew slightly more in height.[1]
What not to conclude
This was one specific formula at specific doses—not every multivitamin on a store shelf. Eight weeks is short, and the children were unmedicated, so it says little about combining these products with ADHD medication.
A higher-dose multi-nutrient product also deserves a medical check: some vitamins and minerals interact with medicines or build up over time.
Who does this apply to?
Children aged 6–12 with ADHD and irritability who were not taking ADHD medication.
What remains uncertain?
Longer-term effects, effects in adults or medicated children, and how this formula compares with established treatments.
Questions for your clinician
These are conversation prompts, not a suggested treatment plan.
- Would a micronutrient approach make sense alongside our current plan?
- Which product and dose are you comfortable with—and why?
- Could this interact with current medicines?
- What would tell us to stop?
Sources & context
Sources checked October 3, 2026. These links support this brief; they do not imply an endorsement of NeuroCoach.
- Johnstone et al. — Micronutrients for ADHD in youths (MADDY RCT), JAACAP 2022 Randomized placebo-controlled trial