If you’ve been curious whether probiotics could help with ADHD symptoms, you’re not alone. Kombucha and other fermented beverages containing probiotics have been all the rage in medical and wellness circles for a few decades. Considering we know that people with ADHD tend to have different gut microbiomes, it makes sense to think a probiotic, whether from food or from a supplement, could help. Unfortunately we don’t have any published studies out on food-based probiotics for ADHD (though one on kefir will get released by the end of 2025), but we do have some some studies on supplements.
What even are probiotics?
Probiotics are live, healthy, beneficial bacteria that support gut health. They’re found in foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut—and also taken as supplements.
They’re measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), often in the billions per dose (that’s right, billion with a ‘b’). Specific strains matter a lot, and for most people, simply taking a random one off the counter likely has little impact. The most important thing to note is that every person is different, and it’s best to do gut testing with a gastrointestinal professional or a registered dietitian who can then prescribe or recommend specific, targeted probiotic supplements for you.
That doesn’t mean we’re leaving you empty-handed: Based on our current evidence, studies have identified some strains and doses that may be a great starting point.
Probiotic Supplements That Help ADHD Symptoms in Children
All of these studies are randomized, placebo-controlled trials. That means we know for sure that they worked. Of course, there are issues with lower sample sizes, but these strains may help your child.
1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
- Study #1: Kumperscak et al., 2020
- Dose: ≥10 billion CFUs/day
- Duration: 3 months
- Age group: 4–17 years
- Results: Improved emotional, social, academic, and physical functioning. Children also had better health-related quality of life
Bottom line: LGG may boost everyday functioning in kids with ADHD, but not necessarily their ADHD symptoms.
- Study #2: Pärtty et al., 2015
- Dose: 10 billion CFUs/day
- Duration: First 6 months of life
- Results: Babies who received LGG were less likely to develop ADHD by age 13
2. Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bf-688)
- Study: Wang et al., 2022
- Dose: 5 billion CFUs/day
- Age group: 4–16 years
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Results: Improvements in inattention and hyperactivity, along with changes to gut bacteria composition
3. Lactobacillus plantarum (PS128)
- Study: Wu et al., 2021
- Dose: 30 billion CFUs/day (15 billion twice daily)
- Duration: 2 months
- Age group: 5–18 years
- Results: Improved attention and impulse control, specifically in kids with comorbid (aka simultaneous) Tourette syndrome
4. Multi-strain Probiotics
- Study: Sepehrmanesh et al., 2021
- Supplement used: Appears to be this product from TakGene, unconfirmed
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Age group: 8–12 years
- Results: Lowered ADHD symptom severity, anxiety, and inflammation
Probiotic Supplements That Help ADHD Symptoms in Adults
All of these studies are randomized, placebo-controlled trials. That means we know for sure that they worked. Of course, there are issues with lower sample sizes, but research shows multi-strain probiotics help with adult ADHD symptoms.
Multi-strain Probiotics
- Study 1: Shwartz et al., 2024
- Supplement used: Altman Intense Probiotic
- Duration: 3 months
- Results: Reduced hyperactivity and improved cortisol levels
- Study 2: Arteaga-Henríquez et al., 2024
- Supplement used: Synbiotic 2000 Forte
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Results: Improved emotional regulation and stress in people with ADHD or Borderline Personality Disorder
Bottom line?
While probiotics aren’t a cure for ADHD, the evidence suggests they can support symptom improvement, especially when chosen wisely. There is also some preliminary evidence that supplementing with probiotics can improve the effectiveness of ADHD medications like Ritalin.
As always, consult your provider before starting a new supplement, especially for children.
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