Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 6 to 12

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 typeInterventional
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment68 (estimated)
SponsorKhyber Medical University Peshawar
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Peshawar, KPK)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2026
Main results expectedNovember 30, 2026
Study endsDecember 25, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 24, 2026
Trial IDNCT07665658 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

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.