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The Pediatric Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Development and Intervention

Giuseppe Marano1,2, Greta Sfratta1,2, Ester Maria Marzo1,2

  • 1Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Early life gut bacteria (microbiota) impact brain development. Supporting a healthy pediatric microbiota may reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • The gut microbiota is vital for early brain development and function.
  • Dysbiosis in the pediatric microbiota-gut-brain axis is linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
  • Early-life microbial imbalances may increase neuropsychiatric risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the pediatric microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodevelopment.
  • To explore how early-life dysbiosis affects neuropsychiatric outcomes.
  • To assess microbiota-targeted interventions for mitigating these risks.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a narrative review of studies up to January 2025.
  • Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
  • Included human and animal studies with mechanistic or clinical insights on pediatric microbiota and neuropsychiatric development.

Main Results:

  • Childhood microbiota development is influenced by delivery mode, feeding, antibiotics, diet, and environment.
  • Altered microbiota is associated with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and anorexia nervosa.
  • Mechanisms include immune modulation, neural signaling, and microbial metabolites (e.g., SCFAs); interventions show promise but need pediatric trials.

Conclusions:

  • The pediatric microbiota-gut-brain axis is a key period for neuropsychiatric vulnerability and intervention.
  • Early-life strategies promoting a healthy microbiota may lower psychiatric disorder risk or severity.
  • Future research needs longitudinal pediatric studies and trials for precision interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)autism spectrum disorder (ASD)early-life interventionsgut–brain axisneurodevelopmentneuropsychiatric disorderspediatric microbiotapsychobiotics

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