GUT MICROBIOTA AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN: CURRENT PERSPECTIVES AND REHABILITATION STRATEGIES
Keywords:
gut microbiota, neurodevelopment, pediatric rehabilitation, gut–brain axis, probiotics, children.Abstract
The gut microbiota has emerged as one of the most important regulators of human health during childhood. Recent studies have demonstrated that intestinal microorganisms play a critical role not only in digestion and immune maturation but also in neuropsychological development through the gut–brain axis. Alterations in microbial diversity during early life have been associated with cognitive impairment, behavioral disorders, emotional dysregulation, and delayed neurodevelopment. This review summarizes current scientific evidence regarding the relationship between gut microbiota and neuropsychological development in children and discusses rehabilitation strategies aimed at restoring intestinal microbial balance. Literature published in major international databases was analyzed, focusing on microbial composition, immune regulation, microbial metabolites, dietary interventions, probiotics, and pediatric rehabilitation. Current evidence suggests that modulation of gut microbiota may become an important component of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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