The influence of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), ratio lead (Pb) to zinc (Zn) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood psychiatric disorder often encountered in clinical practice with major symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Pollution of lead (Pb) is thought to be cause of ADHD that affects the cognitive deficit of the brain. Zinc supplementation (Zn) can improve the symptoms of ADHD by increasing dopamine transporters binding. The aims of this study is to compare the level of Pb and Pb to Zn ratio on the subject of ADHD and normal children. Method: This is an observational analytic study with case control design on 44 respondents. Statistical analysis using non-parametric test Man Witney. Result: There is no significant difference of Pb level in children with ADHD and normal children with p = 0,431 and there is a significant difference of Zn level in ADHD and normal children with p = 0,011 and significant difference in Pb to Zn ratio with p = 0,015.