Work

Probiotics and developmental progression in healthy preschool-aged children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

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..

Source: Nutritional Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2026.2617360

Authors: Hafiz Haris Ahmad, Blake Peck, Daniel Terry

Institutions: Federation University, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Southern Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Australian Government