Supplements

Probiotic supplementation reduces hyperactivity and improves academic performance in adults with ADHD

A double-blind RCT found that a multi-strain probiotic supplement taken daily for three months significantly decreased hyperactivity, improved gastrointestinal symptoms, and enhanced academic performance in college students with ADHD. Age was a significant predictor, with younger participants showing greater overall benefits.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Exploring the impact of probiotics on adult ADHD management through a double-blind RCT.

observational

Levy Schwartz M, Magzal F, Yehuda I, Tamir S · Scientific reports (2024)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 3 months
Intervention: Multi-strain probiotic supplement daily for three months
Outcome: Hyperactivity (MOXO test), academic performance (grades), gastrointestinal symptoms, fingernail cortisol concentrations (FCC), attention and impulsivity symptoms
Effect Size: N/A
Population: College students with ADHD

Result:

PubMed: 39500949DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73874-y

Mechanism Graph

Probiotic supplementation alters gut microbiota composition
↓
Gut-brain axis modulation affects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity
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Reduced cortisol levels (negative correlation with attention/impulsivity symptoms)
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Result: Decreased hyperactivity and improved academic performance

Limitations

  • ⚠Specific probiotic strains and doses not detailed in abstract
  • ⚠Single study with limited generalizability to non-college adult populations
  • ⚠No long-term follow-up data provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of probiotic was used in this study?▼

The abstract mentions a multi-strain probiotic supplement but does not specify the exact strains or dosage.

How long did the intervention last?▼

Participants took the probiotic or placebo daily for three months.

Did the probiotic affect all ADHD symptoms equally?▼

The probiotic significantly decreased hyperactivity and improved academic performance, but a negative correlation was found between fingernail cortisol and symptoms of attention and impulsivity, suggesting differential effects.

Who was eligible for this study?▼

The study included college students with ADHD, and age was identified as a significant predictor of benefit.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Levy Schwartz M, Magzal F, Yehuda I, Tamir S. "Exploring the impact of probiotics on adult ADHD management through a double-blind RCT.." Scientific reports, 2024. PMID: 39500949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73874-y
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.