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
Summary
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.
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