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

Abstract

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which substantially impacts children's academic and social performance. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of probiotic supplementation on executive functioning in children with ADHD.

Methods: This triple-blind, randomized controlled trial included 84 children with ADHD who were randomly allocated to receive either a probiotic supplement including Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Bifidobacterium Longum or a placebo, administered once daily for 2 months. Executive function was assessed using the parent form of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance after adjusting the confounding variables.

Results: No significant difference was found between executive function scores of the groups at baseline (191.45 ± 20.725 vs. 190.55 ± 23.520, p = 0.214). Probiotic treatment significantly improved the scores of the intervention group compared to the control group (151.50 ± 16.784 vs. 190.68 ± 23.479, F = 7.93, p < 0.001) after adjusting for the confounders including age, BMI, and IQ.

Conclusion: Probiotics may be beneficial as non-pharmacological adjunctive therapy for enhancing executive function in children with ADHD. Further studies with extended follow-up durations and objective neuropsychological evaluations are warranted.

Trial registration: IRCT: IRCT20210531051454N2.

Keywords: attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); executive function; probiotic.