ADHD symptom reduction after following an FFD is associated with gut microbiome composition

Abstract

AbstractAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neuropsychiatric conditions. Both (epi)genetic and environmental factors are suggested to contribute to the aetiology of ADHD. In the last decade, nutrition has received considerable attention as potential environmental factor triggering ADHD behaviour. Studies applying a few-foods diet (FFD) can lead to behavioural improvements of at least 40% in 50-64% of children with ADHD. It is conceivable that the Microbiota-Gut-Brain (MGB) axis is involved in the mechanism of action underlying the behavioural improvements observed in children with ADHD after following the FFD. This study investigated potential associations between changes in ADHD symptoms in children that followed an FFD. We identified a significant association between microbiota composition and change in ADHD symptoms in food-associated ADHD.