Can Drinking Kefir Improve ADHD Symptoms in Children?

What you need to know

• This study will test if drinking kefir daily for 6 weeks improves ADHD symptoms in children ages 8-13.
• Kefir is a fermented milk drink containing beneficial bacteria that may positively impact gut health and behavior.
• Researchers will measure changes in ADHD symptoms, sleep, attention, and gut bacteria composition.

Background on ADHD and Diet

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition affecting about 5% of children worldwide. Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, and sleep difficulties. These challenges can significantly impact a child’s quality of life and academic performance.

Current treatments for ADHD typically include medication and behavioral therapy. However, there is growing interest in how diet may influence ADHD symptoms. Some studies suggest that certain dietary changes, like removing artificial food colorings or adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements, may help reduce ADHD symptoms in some children.

One theory is that these dietary interventions may work by positively affecting the balance of bacteria in the gut, known as the gut microbiome. Recent research indicates that children with ADHD may have differences in their gut bacteria compared to children without ADHD. This has led scientists to explore whether directly targeting gut bacteria through diet could potentially improve ADHD symptoms.

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains a variety of beneficial bacteria and yeasts. It has been consumed for centuries and is similar to yogurt, but typically has a thinner consistency and tangier taste. Kefir is made by adding kefir grains (which contain the beneficial microorganisms) to milk and allowing it to ferment.

Studies have shown that regularly consuming kefir can alter the types and amounts of bacteria in the gut. It may do this in a few ways:

1. Directly adding beneficial bacteria to the gut
2. Helping reduce harmful bacteria
3. Promoting the growth of helpful bacteria already present

Some early animal studies suggest kefir consumption may impact behavior, but its effects have not yet been studied in children with ADHD.

About This Study

This study aims to determine if drinking kefir daily for 6 weeks can improve ADHD symptoms in children. It will be the first to examine kefir’s effects on behavior, sleep, gut symptoms, and gut bacteria composition in children diagnosed with ADHD.

The researchers chose to focus on kefir for a few reasons:

1. It’s easy to add to a child’s diet
2. It directly introduces beneficial bacteria to the gut
3. It’s simple to create a matching placebo drink for comparison

Who Can Participate?

The study will include 70 children aged 8-13 who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Children can participate whether or not they are taking ADHD medication. However, children cannot join if they:

• Are allergic to milk or lactose intolerant
• Have taken antibiotics in the past 4 weeks
• Have been diagnosed with certain gut disorders or autoimmune diseases

How the Study Works

Children will be randomly assigned to drink either real kefir or a placebo milk drink daily for 6 weeks. Neither the families nor the researchers will know which drink each child receives until after the study ends.

Before starting and again at the end of the 6 weeks, researchers will measure:

1. ADHD symptoms (rated by parents and teachers)
2. Sleep patterns (using a wrist device worn for a week and questionnaires)
3. Attention and impulsivity (using a computer task)
4. Gut symptoms
5. Types of bacteria in stool samples

Why This Research Matters

If kefir shows benefits for children with ADHD, it could offer a simple, low-cost way to help manage symptoms. Unlike some restrictive diets that have shown promise for ADHD, adding kefir to a child’s regular diet would be relatively easy for families to maintain long-term.

This study is also important because it explores how changes in gut bacteria might relate to changes in behavior. This could help researchers better understand the connection between diet, gut health, and ADHD symptoms.

It’s worth noting that even if kefir shows benefits, it likely wouldn’t replace standard ADHD treatments like medication or therapy. Instead, it might offer an additional tool to help manage symptoms for some children.

Conclusions

• This study will be the first to test if daily kefir consumption improves ADHD symptoms in children.
• Researchers will measure changes in behavior, sleep, attention, and gut bacteria to understand kefir’s potential effects.
• If successful, kefir could offer an accessible, affordable way to complement existing ADHD treatments.

While we await the results, it’s important to remember that no single approach works for all children with ADHD. Families should always consult with healthcare providers before making significant changes to a child’s diet or treatment plan.