Neuroplasticity-targeted supplements for ADHD in children
Official title: Effectiveness of Neuroplasticity-Targeted Supplements on Neuroinflammatory Markers, ADHD Symptom Severity, and Clinical Scores in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Khyber Medical University Peshawar · NCT07665658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 12-week randomized trial tests whether gut- and brain-targeted supplements can help reduce ADHD symptoms in children aged 6–12.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Khyber Medical University Peshawar Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Peshawar, KPK) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 25, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07665658 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children 6–12 years with DSM-5–confirmed ADHD, either medication-free or on stable stimulant therapy for at least 1 month.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with recent antibiotic use, GI disorders, neurological comorbidities, or severe food allergies may not benefit or may be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial compares four groups of children with ADHD: gut-targeted supplements (prebiotics and probiotics), brain-targeted supplements (omega-3s and vitamin B1), both supplements, and placebo. The study will measure changes in ADHD symptoms with validated scales and look at biomarkers linked to neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity, such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, BDNF, SCFAs, and Claudin-5, from baseline to week 12. Sixty-eight participants will be enrolled and followed for 12 weeks to see if these supplements can improve behavioral scores and biological markers. The research aims to clarify whether targeting gut health and brain chemistry can offer additional benefit beyond standard ADHD management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a supplementary strategy to improve ADHD symptoms and related biomarkers in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored gut-brain connections and omega-3s in ADHD, with mixed results; this trial tests a combined, targeted approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Khyber Teaching Hospital
Peshawar, Kpk, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr Dur E Shawar, PhD* — Khyber Medical University Peshawar, Pakistan
- Study coordinator: Dr Dur E Shawar, PhD*
- Email: shehwar88@gmail.com
- Phone: 03348405894
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.