Gut microbiome differences in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder and effects of probiotic supplementation: A randomized controlled trial
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Emerging evidence suggests a significant role of gut microbiota on neurodevelopmental disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
AIMS
Our study aimed to compare gut microbiota composition between these disorders and evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation.
METHODS
We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 80 children aged 5-14 years (39 with ADHD, 41 with ASD). Baseline and post-intervention fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify changes in gut microbiota composition.
RESULTS
We identified 22 taxa differentiating ADHD and ASD (AUC = 0.939), characterised by increased presence of Clostridia, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae in ADHD, and Bacteroides, Bacilli and Actinobacteria in ASD. These differences remained after accounting for potential confounders. ASD children receiving probiotics had significant increases in Chao 1, Fisher's alpha, and Shannon indices whereas no significant differences in α and β-diversity were found in ADHD. In ADHD, bacteria with potential adverse effects were under-represented. In ASD, the abundance of Eggerthellaceae, and other taxa associated with gastrointestinal problems and anxiety was decreased.
CONCLUSION
Variations in gut microbiota may influence responses in ADHD and ASD. Probiotic supplementation favorably altered gut microbiota composition, offering insights for future therapeutic…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 80 participants or records.
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