I read with interest the paper by Rucklidge et al on the preliminary evidence of efficacy of micronutrients in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Reference Rucklidge, Frampton, Gorman and Boggis1 I would like to comment on those results.
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1 The findings are rather controversial since only two measurements (self- and observer ratings) showed some difference, whereas a third one (clinician rating) did not.
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2 It is not clear from this or other papers celebrating the wonders of nutrients which of those ingredients is effective (and which is not) or why that particular combination was chosen.
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3 I am not sure that I would recommend a combination of 36 micronutrients at doses up to ten times higher than the daily allowed for undefined periods of times. Are there studies on the long-term consequences of at least one of them?
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4 A quick verification of the cost of EMPowerplus (the nutrient combination advertised by the paper) is about US$70 for 30 days. Of course, this is not reimbursed by the National Health Service.
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5 Since the paper acknowledges the above-mentioned programme which is sold online, it is hard to believe that the authors have no conflict of interest as claimed in the Declaration of Interest.
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