Randomised controlled trial of the effects of kefir on behaviour, sleep and the microbiome in children with ADHD: a
Kate Lawrence1, Philippa Fibert2, Jemima Hobbs2
1School of Allied Health & Life Sciences, St Mary's University, Twickenham, UK kate.lawrence@stmarys.ac.uk.
Insights
This study investigates if kefir supplementation improves attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children. Researchers explored kefir
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Microbiome research
- Nutritional psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) interventions typically include medication and behavioral therapy.
- Emerging research suggests a link between the gut microbiome and ADHD, indicating potential benefits from dietary interventions.
- Kefir, a fermented dairy product, may modulate gut bacteria and influence ADHD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effects of kefir supplementation on ADHD symptomatology in children.
- To assess kefir's impact on sleep, attention, and the gut microbiome composition in pediatric ADHD.
- To evaluate kefir as a potential adjunctive therapy for ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 70 children (aged 8-13) diagnosed with ADHD.
- Participants consumed daily dairy kefir or a placebo, with assessments before and after the intervention.
- Outcomes measured include ADHD symptoms, gut microbiota, gastrointestinal and sleep disturbances, and cognitive functions (inattention, impulsivity).
Main Results:
- Primary outcome: ADHD symptomatology measured by the Strengths and Weakness of ADHD-symptoms and Normal-behaviour scale.
- Secondary outcomes: Gut microbiota composition via shotgun metagenomic sequencing, gastrointestinal severity, sleep patterns (actigraphy, questionnaires), and attention/impulsivity (Go/NoGo test).
- Statistical analysis using Mixed Model Analysis of Variances to examine time and group interactions.
Conclusions:
- The study aims to determine if kefir supplementation can alleviate ADHD symptoms in children.
- Findings will elucidate the relationship between kefir, gut microbiome modulation, and ADHD symptom improvement.
- Results will inform potential dietary strategies for managing ADHD.
Introduction:
Current interventions for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are primarily medication, behavioural therapy and parent training. However, research suggests dietary manipulations may provide therapeutic benefit for some. There is accumulating evidence that the gut microbiome may be atypical in ADHD, and therefore, manipulating gut bacteria in such individuals may help alleviate some of the symptoms of this condition. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of supplementation with kefir (a fermented dairy drink) on ADHD symptomatology, sleep, attention and the gut microbiome in children diagnosed with ADHD.
Methods And Analysis:
A 6-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 70 children aged 8-13 years diagnosed with ADHD. Participants will be recruited throughout the UK, through support groups, community groups, schools, social media and word of mouth. Children will be randomised to consume daily either dairy kefir or a placebo dairy drink for 6 weeks. The primary outcome, ADHD symptomatology, will be measured by The Strengths and Weakness of ADHD-symptoms and Normal-behaviour scale. Secondary outcomes will include gut microbiota composition (using shotgun metagenomic microbiome sequencing), gut symptomatology (The Gastrointestinal Severity Index questionnaire), sleep (using 7-day actigraphy recordings, The Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and Sleep Self Report questionnaire), inattention and impulsivity (with a computerised Go/NoGo test). Assessments will be conducted prior to the intervention and at the end of the intervention. Interaction between time (preintervention/postintervention) and group (probiotic/placebo) is to be analysed using a Mixed Model Analysis of Variances.
Ethics And Dissemination:
Ethical approval for the study was granted by St Mary's University Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations to the scientific community and support groups.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT05155696.
