Probiotics and developmental progression in healthy preschool-aged children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- Journal Title
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Publication Type
- Online publication before print
- Abstract
- BACKGROUND: The gut-brain axis is well known to have a bilateral relationship. Recent research has shown the positive influence of probiotic supplementation on mental flexibility and stress scores among healthy elderly population. However, no similar research has been conducted for young children. AIM: To investigate the influence of probiotic supplementation on the developmental progress of healthy children. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 105 healthy children, who received either probiotic or placebo supplementation over a six-month period. Of those, 51 were allocated to the probiotic group and 54 to the placebo group. Pre - and post-developmental assessments were conducted using the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 questionnaires. RESULTS: Per-protocol analysis showed that children in both the probiotic and placebo groups demonstrated significant improvements in 3 of the 6 ASQ-3 developmental domains. However, baseline analysis by age group revealed significant differences in 3 of the 6 ASQ-3 domains, with children older than 44 months showing better developmental scores. Moreover, increasing age and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables were identified as significant confounders associated with developmental progress. CONCLUSION: This first-of-its-kind study conducted among healthy preschoolers concludes that probiotic supplementation did not significantly influence developmental progress. However, the study was underpowered for its primary outcome. Future large-scale studies involving diverse populations are recommended.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12622000153718..
- Keywords
- Probiotics; children; clinical trial; cognition; developmental progress; early childhood education; gut microbiome; gut-brain axis
- Department(s)
- Radiation Oncology
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415x.2026.2617360
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415x.2026.2617360- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2026-01-29 05:40:51
Last Modified: 2026-01-29 05:40:57