Previously submitted to: JMIR Mental Health (no longer under consideration since Jan 06, 2026)
Date Submitted: Jan 6, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 6, 2026 - Jan 6, 2026
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Correlation analysis of urinary iodine concentration with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
ABSTRACT
Background:
There is a known association between iodine deficiency and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but studies examining the impact of iodine intake, as indicated by urinary iodine concentration (UIC), on ADHD in children are inconclusive.
Objective:
To ascertain the relationship between UIC and ADHD in children.
Methods:
Cross-sectional data from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2004 were utilized. Weighted linear regression models and restricted cubic splines were applied to investigate the relationship between UIC and ADHD in children, with gender-specific subgroup analyses.
Results:
A total of 1,233 children were included in the study, among whom 93 had ADHD. There was a noteworthy positive correlation between ln(UIC) and ADHD risk, with no significant nonlinear relationship (OR: 1.69, P<0.001, P-non-linear=0.091), and more pronounced in males (OR: 1.83, P=0.015). The positive association between high UIC levels (≥300 ng/mL) and ADHD risk was consistent across genders.
Conclusions:
Children with higher UIC are at a notably increased risk of ADHD, particularly males. Prospective research is required to understand the potential of UIC in aiding the diagnosis and symptom monitoring of ADHD in children.
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