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Probiotic Supplementation and Executive Function in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abdolrahman Parhiz1, Pegah Samani2, Majid Kamali3

  • 1Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Neuropsychopharmacology Reports
|December 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplementation significantly improved executive function in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study suggests probiotics may aid as a non-pharmacological therapy for ADHD symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children's academic and social functioning.
  • Executive functions, crucial for cognitive control, are often impaired in children with ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in enhancing executive function in children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To evaluate the impact of a specific probiotic formulation on cognitive performance in pediatric ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • A triple-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 84 children with ADHD.
  • Participants received a daily probiotic supplement (Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, Bifidobacterium Longum) or placebo for two months.
  • Executive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) parent form, with data analyzed via repeated measures ANOVA.

Main Results:

  • No significant baseline differences in executive function scores were observed between the probiotic and placebo groups.
  • Probiotic treatment led to a significant improvement in executive function scores compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders.
  • The intervention group showed a notable decrease in executive function impairment scores post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotic supplementation demonstrates potential as a beneficial non-pharmacological adjunctive therapy for improving executive function in children with ADHD.
  • Further research with longer follow-up periods and objective neuropsychological assessments is recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

Keywords:
attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)executive functionprobiotic

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