Welcome to the
Ruscio Research Report |
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In each edition, I’ll share the most interesting and actionable findings from the latest health studies so you can stay informed (without sifting through dense medical journals).
Here’s what I found this month:
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A Supplement That Rivals Metformin for Blood Sugar Control |
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Trouble focusing, restlessness, a stomach that's always a little off. Most people treat these as unrelated parts of living with ADHD. But a 2024 double-blind RCT followed 67 college students with ADHD for three months on either a multi-strain probiotic or a placebo, and found the two may be more connected than expected. The probiotic group saw real drops in hyperactivity, meaningful relief from GI symptoms, and better grades by the end of the study. Younger students saw the biggest shifts. Dr. Ruscio's take: It's common for us to see digestive symptoms alongside attention concerns. When that's the case, supporting gut health with a multi-species probiotic is often one of the simplest places to start. If you're looking for a multi-species probiotic similar to those used in much of this research, our Triple Therapy Probiotic combines three well-studied probiotic categories into one protocol designed to support digestive health. |
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Can a Common Probiotic Improve Life for Kids with ADHD? |
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ADHD research tends to zero in on symptoms. But a 2024 systematic review looked at something broader: how kids with ADHD actually feel day to day. Children taking a Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic reported better emotional, physical, social, and school functioning than those on placebo, along with a higher overall quality of life. The likely mechanism is inflammation. Certain probiotic combinations were linked to lower markers of intestinal and vascular inflammation, driven in part by short-chain fatty acids, compounds the gut produces that help keep inflammation in check throughout the body. Dr. Ruscio's take: Quality of life doesn't always show up on a symptom checklist, but it's often what parents care about most. This is a good example of a well-studied, accessible starting point. If you're looking for that exact combination, our Lacto-Bifido Probiotic Blend uses this well-researched pairing of strains. |
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This Simple Add-On Sped Up Executive Function in ADHD Kids |
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For kids already on medication, the question is usually what else can help. A 2026 RCT followed 84 children with ADHD stable on methylphenidate, adding either a probiotic or a placebo for two months. The probiotic group showed significant gains in executive function, the skills behind planning, organizing, and self-regulating, as rated by parents. Dr. Ruscio's take: Combined with the quality-of-life findings above, this points to lacto-bifido blends being one of the more versatile tools we reach for, useful well beyond digestion, and layerable on top of an existing medication plan without the two competing. |
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Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC
Adjunct Professor, University of Bridgeport
Clinical Researcher |
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