Increased risk of ADHD linked to having high levels of this

By Alice Clifford via SWNS

High levels of some fungi in the gut put children at greater risk of attention deficit disorders, suggests a new study.

Researchers found that children with ADHD had higher levels of some species of fungus and lower levels of others.

They explained that the human gut hosts large numbers of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. However, the amount of each one varies from person to person.

After studying fecal samples from 35 children with ADHD and 35 without, the Taiwanese research team found that those with ADHD had higher levels of certain species of fungi and lower levels of others.

The fungus called Candida albicans was the highest in those with the disorder and was found to create a “leaky gut” that allows bacteria into the bloodstream.

This leak leads to inflammation throughout the body and the brain, potentially triggering ADHD.

Study lead author Doctor Liang-Jen Wang said: “The human body is home to a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem, and findings from this study suggest that dysbiosis of the fungal mycobiome in ADHD can influence patient health.”

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people’s behavior. Those with the condition are often restless, struggle with concentration and sometimes act impulsively.

ADHD affects around one in 16 children and teenagers worldwide.

Dr. Wang said: “ADHD may develop from a multidimensional pathophysiology, including the bidirectional signaling pathways between the brain and the gut.

“The "gut–brain axis," referring to the link between intestinal function, gut microbiota and the central nervous system, has been proposed to be related to several neuropsychiatric disorders.”

The participants were an average of 10 years of age and just over half were boys.

First, total DNA samples were collected from each fecal sample.

Next, the team used ITS amplicon sequencing and fungal taxonomic classification to reveal the microorganisms living in the gut.

In the healthy participants, the dominant phylum was Ascomycota. This was followed by Basidiomycota and Mucoromycota.

Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were also present in those with ADHD, but the level of Ascomycota was significantly higher, while the amount of Basidiomycota was much lower.

Candida albicans was the most abundant fungus in the gut and its levels were much larger in those with ADHD.

It was this fungus that was able to dampen the human intestinal barrier, leading to gut leakage.

Dr. Wang added: “The current study is the first to explore altered gut mycobiome dysbiosis using the NGS platform in ADHD.

“The findings from this study indicated that dysbiosis of the fungal mycobiome and intestinal permeability might be associated with susceptibility to ADHD.”

The study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.