It is well known the influence of the mineral iron in the processes of hemoglobin production or in pathologies such as anemia and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, as well as a stimulator of the immune system.
From Neurology we understand this mineral as fundamental in the synthesis of dopamine and as a cofactor in the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. On the other hand, iron deficiency has also been related to situations in which this brain neurotransmitter is involved. In this sense, during the treatment of restless legs syndrome, which responds to dopaminergic drugs, iron is very useful and helpful. Thanks to it there is an improvement of symptoms when the rate of deposits of this mineral in the tissues is low, even with stable blood concentrations.
On the other hand, iron has also been linked to another disease involving dopamine, Parkinson’s disease. Recently, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology points to iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation as a major risk factor in the development of autism in children.
In view of this relationship between iron and neuronal pathology and neurodevelopment, it is inevitable to think of another very frequent pathology where dopamine deficiency plays a leading role: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Animal studies have shown that iron depletion decreases brain dopaminergic receptors, as well as lower ferritin levels in children with ADHD detected in controls. Thanks to neuroimaging we can see lower levels of brain iron in this type of patients.
Even so, more studies are still needed to support the influence of iron in these neurodevelopmental alterations.