The gut mycobiome and intestinal permeability may be linked to ADHD proneness, according to a study of 35 children with ADHD and 35 without. Differences were found in inter-fungal community species diversity, with children with ADHD having greater levels of Ascomycota and lower levels of Basidiomycota. Increased abundance of Candida was also found in children with ADHD. C. albicans was shown to increase the permeability of Caco-2 cells.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. While the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, recent studies have shed light on the possible link between gut microbiome dysbiosis and ADHD. The gut microbiome, composed of trillions of microorganisms residing in the human digestive system, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. However, certain disturbances in the gut microbiome have been associated with various health conditions, including ADHD. This article will explore the latest research on the gut-brain connection and how gut microbiome dysbiosis may contribute to the development of ADHD.


The gut microbiome has been a topic of growing interest in relation to overall health and wellbeing. A recent study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry explored the differences between the gut microbiome of children with and without ADHD. The study’s lead author, Liang-Jen Wang MD, MPH, PhD, and his colleagues enrolled 35 children with ADHD and 35 without from an outpatient clinic. Participants provided fecal samples which were then used to identify fungal species in their gut microbiome.

Results revealed differences in inter-fungal community species diversity between children with and without ADHD. For specific phyla, children with ADHD had greater levels of Ascomycota (P= .0163) and lower levels of Basidiomycota (P= .0061) compared to children without ADHD. Candida proved to be more abundant in children with ADHD (P= .0043), with Candida albicans (P= .0106) and Candida tropicalis (P= .0004) being more abundant in ADHD-positive children.

Additionally, findings revealed that intestinal epithelial barrier function was reduced among children with ADHD. In vitro permeability assay of the Caco-2 cell layer showed that Candida albicans increased the permeability of Caco-2 cells. These findings suggest that fungal mycobiome dysbiosis and intestinal permeability are linked to ADHD proneness.

According to the researchers, the study’s results indicate that the dysbiosis of the fungal mycobiome in ADHD can influence patient health. The human body is home to a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem, and these findings provide new insights into how the gut’s microbial environment can impact overall health. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between the gut microbiome and ADHD, but the study’s results provide a promising starting point for future research.


As research continues to shed light on the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and ADHD, it becomes clear that there is still a lot to learn about this connection. However, the evidence suggests that gut microbiome dysbiosis may play a significant role in the development and severity of ADHD symptoms. By exploring innovative treatments that target the gut microbiome, we may be able to provide more effective therapies for individuals living with ADHD. It is an exciting time for this field, and we look forward to seeing what new insights future research may bring.