Can the Gut Microbiome Predict ADHD Supplement Success?

Findings from the MADDY Study:

When parents investigate nutrition, probiotics, and gut health for ADHD, they frequently discover something perplexing: some kids get better with micronutrient supplementation, while others don't.

This is explained by a recent clinical trial: the reaction is determined by the gut microbiota.

What the MADDY Study Found

The MADDY trial was an 8-week placebo-controlled study giving children with ADHD a broad-spectrum micronutrient supplement (36 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants).

Researchers classified children into:

• Responders – symptoms improved

• Non-responders – no improvement
  
  

Despite receiving the same supplement, the outcomes were very different, and the microbiome was the key.

Why Some Children Responded Better

Responders showed an increase in two beneficial bacterial families:

• Rikenellaceae

• Oscillospiraceae

These bacteria produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that:

• reduces inflammation

• supports the gut lining

• influences mood and brain function

Children who did not improve showed no increase in these microbes.

In short, supplements only work if the microbiome can use them.

Why This Matters for Parents

“clinical actionable insight”, the kind of personalised data clinicians need.

This study reinforces what we see at Back to Balance:

• Your gut microbiome determines response to supplements, probiotics, and dietary changes

• Personalised nutrition works better than guesswork

• Microbiome testing can guide targeted ADHD support

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a gut microbiome test worth it?”, clinical studies like this show the value of understanding your child’s unique bacterial makeup.

Explore our testing options here:
Back to Balance Gut Microbiome Test 

How Nutrition and Probiotics Can Help

Supporting SCFA-producing bacteria can be beneficial. Encourage:

• fibre-rich foods (oats, legumes, apples)

• polyphenols (berries, cocoa, green tea)

• fermented foods (kefir, yoghurt, sauerkraut)
  
  

For children with digestive symptoms, targeted strains from Optibac, Activated Prebiotics, and BioCare may help restore balance, especially when choosing the best probiotics for IBS.

For more on gut, see our related blog.

Conclusion

The MADDY study shows that ADHD supplement success is not random; it's microbiome-dependent.
Understanding your child’s gut can help you choose the right foods, probiotics, and supplements with confidence.

FAQs

1. Is a gut microbiome test worth it for ADHD?

Yes, especially if symptoms vary or supplements haven’t worked. Testing helps identify which bacteria are missing.

2. Why did my child not respond to micronutrient supplements?

They may lack the bacterial families needed to process the nutrients. Targeting gut health first can help.

3. Can food intolerances affect ADHD symptoms?

Yes. Intolerances may trigger inflammation, irritability, and blood sugar swings, which worsen behavioural symptoms.

References

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2025.2463570#abstract 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2475299123157994 

Author: Dr. Amine Zorgani AfN Registered Associate Nutritionist Dr. Amine Zorgani is a seasoned microbiome researcher, serial entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for translating microbial science into practical health solutions. With a PhD in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, he has devoted over a decade to advancing understanding of the human microbiome not just as an academic pursuit, but as a foundation for better health. As founder-CEO of SwipeBiome and lead of Microbiome Mavericks, his mission is ambitious and clear: to protect and restore the microbiome before it’s lost to modern lifestyles. Under Dr. Amine Zorgani’s guidance, microbiome science is being transformed from complex lab research into accessible, actionable insights that everyday people can use. His work is not limited to data or publications; he's deeply committed to public education and community outreach. As a recognised thought leader, he shares his findings widely: from peer-reviewed papers and conference talks to public-facing content that reaches thousands. He believes that preserving health begins by maintaining microbial balance and that knowledge should be freely shared so individuals can make empowered choices about diet, lifestyle, and wellbeing.