Effectiveness of Neuroplasticity-Targeted Supplements on Neuroinflammatory Markers, ADHD Symptom Severity, and Clinical Scores in Children

Effectiveness of Neuroplasticity-Targeted Supplements on Neuroinflammatory Markers, ADHD Symptom Severity, and Clinical Scores in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of neuroplasticity-targeted supplements on neuroinflammatory markers and ADHD symptoms in children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: gut-targeted supplements (prebiotics and probiotics), brain-targeted supplements (omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B1), combined supplementation, or placebo. The intervention period will last 12 weeks. Primary outcomes include changes in ADHD symptom severity and clinical scores using validated rating scales. Secondary outcomes include changes in biomarkers of neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, including IL-6, TNF-alpha, BDNF, short-chain fatty acids, and Claudin-5.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, altered gut microbiota, and impaired neuroplasticity may contribute to ADHD pathophysiology. Nutritional interventions that target these mechanisms may provide additional therapeutic benefit.

This study is a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial designed to investigate whether supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B1 can improve ADHD symptoms and related biological markers in children. Sixty-eight participants aged 6 to 12 years with DSM-5 confirmed ADHD will be enrolled and randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of four intervention groups: (1) prebiotics plus probiotics, (2) omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin B1, (3) combined supplementation, or (4) placebo.

The intervention duration will be 12 weeks. ADHD symptoms and behavioral scores will be assessed at baseline and after treatment using validated rating scales, including Conners 3 and Vanderbilt ADHD forms. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and week 12 for measurement of inflammatory and neuroplasticity biomarkers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), Claudin-5, and complete blood count parameters.

The primary objective is to determine the effect of supplementation on ADHD symptom scores. Secondary objectives include comparison of treatment groups for biomarker changes and evaluation of associations between biological markers and clinical outcomes. Results may help identify safe adjunctive nutritional strategies for children with ADHD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-5 confirmed ADHD diagnosis
• Age 6-12 years
• Medication-free or on stable stimulant medication (≥1 month)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Antibiotic use in last 4 weeks
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Neurological comorbidities (e.g., epilepsy)
• Severe food allergies