Gut microbiome differences in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder and effects of probiotic supplementation: A randomized controlled trial.

Summary

This randomised controlled trial examined gut microbiota differences between 80 children with ADHD or ASD and evaluated probiotic supplementation effects over 12 weeks. The study identified 22 differentiating taxa (AUC 0.939), with ADHD showing elevated Clostridia, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, whilst ASD exhibited higher Bacteroides, Bacilli, and Actinobacteria. Probiotic supplementation increased microbial diversity in ASD and reduced potentially harmful bacteria in both groups, suggesting microbiota modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Regional applicability

The study does not specify country of conduct from available metadata. The findings regarding probiotic effects on microbiota composition in ADHD and ASD are potentially transferable to United Kingdom clinical and dietary practice, though effectiveness may depend on specific probiotic formulations, UK dietary patterns, and individual variation in response.

Key measures

16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota; alpha-diversity indices (Chao 1, Fisher's alpha, Shannon); beta-diversity; relative abundance of bacterial taxa; AUC for taxon classification

Outcomes reported

The study identified 22 taxa differentiating ADHD and ASD microbiota profiles and evaluated how 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation altered microbial composition and diversity in each disorder. Probiotic treatment increased alpha-diversity indices in ASD children and reduced abundance of potentially adverse bacteria in both groups.

Topic tags