BAMBA and VENDO – Treatment

We have conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial in Stockholm (BAMBA), which was replicated in Germany, Spain and Hungary (PROBIA). For objective measures of possible effects, we determine the feces microorganisms with respect to both bacteria, fungi and viruses, and we measure immune activity and metabolites of the intestinal microorganisms in blood and urine samples. Findings are being further explored in cellular and mouse models. A prospective clinical cohort study (VENDO) following newly diagnosed children with ADHD for one year is currently ongoing to understand the relationships between psychiatric symptoms, blood biomarkers, gut microorganisms, medication, diet,  and synbiotic. The goal of our research is to contribute to evidence-based diet counseling for individuals with ADHD.

Description of the study that was conducted in Stockholm (BAMBA) 

The study, which was conducted in Stockholm, involved 99 children and 149 adults with an ADHD diagnosis through visits to PRIMA Child and Adult Psychiatry or Norra Stockholm's Psychiatry at St Eriksplan in Stockholm. Participants took a dietary supplement consisting of Synbiotic 2000 or placebo every day for 9 weeks. Which of the two treatments the participant received was randomized and was unknown to participants, nurses and researchers. The participants completed questionnaires about their symptoms and eating habits at the start of the study and after the 9 weeks. On these occasions, participants also provided blood samples, urine samples and stool samples.

Because the symptom picture may look different between children and adults, we analyzed the results for children and adults separately. The results showed that before starting with the dietary supplement, the fecal bacterial profile was different compared to that in healthy controls, and that children on ADHD medication had a particular difference e.g. lower vitamin B12 synthesis bacterial genes. In both children and adults, ADHD symptoms decreased equally much for those who received placebo as for those who received Synbiotic 2000. In other words, Synbiotic 2000 had no effect on hyperactivity, impulsivity or inattention. However, Synbiotic 2000 reduced children's autistic traits more than placebo did, especially restrictive, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Synbiotic 2000 also reduced difficulties in managing emotions in adults more than placebo did. The degree of inflammation was measured in the blood. About half of the participants had slightly higher levels of a certain type of inflammation at the start. In children Synbiotic 2000 decreased the inflammation, and in adults the inflammation was decreased by both placebo and Synbiotic 2000. Preliminary results indicate that the decrease in inflammation was partly due to so-called short-chain fatty acids, which bacteria produce in the colon and which pass easily into the blood. Previous international research has shown that the amount of these short-chain fatty acids is important for the intestines, blood vessels and brain.

That diet and the intestinal microorganisms can affect certain behaviors and certain types of inflammation has been shown previously by international research, especially in mice and rats. Similarly, several studies have shown that Synbiotic 2000 reduces the risk of infections and inflammation in difficult surgical procedures. However, BAMBA was the first study of the effect of a probiotic product for persons with ADHD. 

PROBIA, similar to BAMBA but conducted on adults with ADHD and high irritability in Germany, Spain and Hungary, showed that Synbiotic2000, including one additional bacterial strain, reduced irritability, inattention, and improved mood and emotion regulation. The analyses of the samples from these studies are still ongoing. A detailed BAMBA study description and results can be found in the list of texts below. All results are always at group level. We never show any data from an individual study participant.