The Gut-Brain Connection in Children: How Gut Health May Influence Mood, Behaviour & Development

Understanding the Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome, Brain Development and Everyday Wellbeing

Parents often notice changes in their children's:

• Mood

• Behaviour

• Attention

• Sleep

• Emotional regulation

While many factors contribute to childhood development, researchers are increasingly interested in the role of the gut microbiome and its connection to the developing brain.

The gut and brain are constantly communicating through what scientists call the gut-brain axis—a complex network involving the nervous system, immune system, hormones, and the trillions of microbes that live in the digestive tract.

Emerging research suggests that gut health may play an important role in supporting healthy development, emotional wellbeing, and overall health during childhood.

What Is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the collection of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that naturally live within the digestive system.

These microbes help support:

• Digestion

• Nutrient absorption

• Immune function

• Production of beneficial compounds

• Communication between the gut and brain

The microbiome begins developing early in life and continues to evolve throughout childhood.

Researchers believe that the first few years of life represent a particularly important period for both microbiome development and brain development.

Related:

Daily Gut Health Routine: Simple Habits for Digestive Wellbeing, Energy & Microbiome Health

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Communication System

The gut and brain are constantly exchanging information.

This communication occurs through:

• The nervous system

• The immune system

• Hormonal signalling

• Microbial metabolites produced by gut bacteria

This means that what happens in the digestive system may influence how the brain functions, while stress and emotions can also affect digestive health.

Rather than viewing the gut and brain as separate systems, researchers now recognise them as closely interconnected.

Early Childhood Is a Critical Window for Brain Development

The early years of life represent one of the most rapid periods of brain growth.

During this time:

• New neural connections are formed

• Existing pathways are strengthened

• The brain becomes increasingly specialised

The experiences children have—including nutrition, movement, sleep, social interaction, and environmental exposures—help shape these developing neural networks.

Researchers are now exploring how the gut microbiome may also contribute to this developmental process.

How Gut Microbes May Support Healthy Brain Development

Animal studies have demonstrated that gut microbes play important roles in the development and function of specialised immune cells within the brain known as microglia.

Microglia help:

• Maintain healthy brain function

• Support normal neural development

• Assist with the refinement of neural connections

Researchers have also identified beneficial compounds produced by gut bacteria—known as short-chain fatty acids—that may influence immune and nervous system function.

While much of this work is still evolving, it highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome during childhood.

 

Gut Microbial Diversity and Childhood Behaviour

Researchers continue to investigate potential associations between gut microbial diversity and various aspects of behaviour and temperament.

Several studies have observed relationships between microbial diversity and traits such as:

• Sociability

• Emotional regulation

• Engagement with the environment

• Positive mood

These findings do not prove cause and effect, but they suggest that the gut microbiome may be one of many factors influencing childhood development.

As with all areas of behavioural health, genetics, environment, family dynamics, sleep, nutrition, and physical activity remain important contributors.

The Stress Response System and Gut Health

One area receiving increasing attention is the relationship between the gut microbiome and the body's stress response system.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis helps regulate:

• Stress responses

• Hormone production

• Adaptation to challenges

Researchers have observed that disruptions to the gut microbiome may influence how this system functions.

Healthy daily habits that support both gut health and stress regulation include:

• Adequate sleep

• Regular physical activity

• Whole-food nutrition

• Positive social interaction

• Consistent routines

Manage Stress:

Nutrition for Stress Resilience: 10 Foods That Support Mood, Focus & Nervous System Health

Sleep, Stress and Cortisol

Intestinal Barrier Function and Whole-Body Health

The digestive tract acts as a barrier between the outside environment and the body.

Researchers continue to investigate how intestinal barrier function may influence:

• Immune activity

• Inflammation

• Digestive wellbeing

• Overall health

Maintaining digestive health through balanced nutrition remains an important foundation for supporting long-term wellbeing.

Learn More:

Leaky Gut, Intestinal Permeability & Gut Barrier Function: The Complete Guide

The Gut-Brain Axis Explained

The Broth & Co Clinical Study

Broth & Co Bone Broth Powder was evaluated in a clinical study conducted through the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM).

The study investigated daily bone broth consumption in Australian adults experiencing lower gastrointestinal disturbances.

Researchers observed improvements in:

• Digestive wellbeing outcomes

• Gastrointestinal symptom measures

• Quality of life measures

• Markers associated with intestinal permeability

These findings contribute to growing interest in how nutrition may support digestive health and overall wellbeing.

Neurotransmitters and the Gut

The gut plays an important role in the production of chemical messengers involved in communication throughout the body.

Researchers have identified links between gut health and compounds involved in:

• Mood

• Sleep

• Stress responses

• Cognitive function

The relationship between the microbiome and these systems remains an active area of scientific investigation.

Neurotransmitters and Gut Health | Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

Building a Healthy Gut Microbiome in Children

While there is no single food or supplement that determines gut health, several dietary and lifestyle factors consistently support a healthy microbiome.

1. Increase Plant Diversity

A wide variety of plant foods provides different types of fibre that support microbial diversity.

Examples include:

• Vegetables

• Fruit

• Legumes

• Herbs

• Whole grains

Aim to include a wide range of colours and plant foods throughout the week.

Related:

Neurotransmitters and Gut Health

2. Include Fermented Foods

Fermented foods may help introduce beneficial bacteria into the diet.

Examples include:

• Natural yoghurt

• Kefir

• Sauerkraut

• Kimchi

• Miso

3. Prioritise Whole-Food Nutrition

Whole foods provide a broad range of nutrients that support growth, development, and overall health.

Focus on:

• Vegetables

• Fruit

• Protein-rich foods

• Healthy fats

• Fibre-rich foods

4. Support Healthy Sleep

Support Healthy Sleep

Sleep and gut health appear to influence one another.

Children benefit from consistent bedtime habits, regular routines and adequate sleep duration, especially during periods of growth, learning and development.

During sleep, the body carries out important restorative processes that support brain development, immune function, memory, mood and recovery from the day.

One reason bone broth is sometimes discussed in relation to evening routines is its natural amino acid profile.

Bone broth contains collagen-derived amino acids, including glycine. Glycine is an amino acid that researchers continue to study for its role in relaxation, nervous system function and sleep physiology.

While bone broth should not be viewed as a sleep treatment, it can be included as part of a calming evening routine that supports healthy sleep habits.

For children, this may look like:

• A warm cup of broth with dinner

• Bone broth added to soup

• Bone broth mixed into mashed vegetables

• A nourishing evening meal that includes protein, vegetables and healthy fats

Healthy sleep is also supported by:

• Consistent bedtimes

• A predictable evening routine

• Reduced screen time before bed

• A calm sleep environment

• Outdoor play and physical activity during the day

• Balanced meals and snacks

Bone broth can simply be one nourishing food within that broader routine.

Because it provides protein and collagen-derived amino acids, it can help support overall nutrition while fitting naturally into family-friendly meals.

Related:

Glycine: Recovery, Relaxation, Sleep & the Collagen Connection 

5. Encourage Outdoor Play

Physical activity and outdoor environments provide important benefits for physical and emotional wellbeing.

6. Include Nutrient-Dense Foods

Nutrient-dense foods help support growth and development.

Examples include:

• Eggs

• Fish

• Lean meats

• Legumes

• Bone broth

• Colourful vegetables

Related: 

Good Health Starts on Your Plate

A Well-Stocked Kitchen Is the Secret to Healthy Eating: Effortless Hacks, Smart Staples & Bone Broth Recipes

Bone Broth as a Family-Friendly Functional Food

Bone broth has been consumed traditionally in many cultures around the world.

Today, many families include bone broth as part of a balanced diet focused on:

• Whole-food nutrition

• Healthy ageing

• Digestive wellbeing

• Recovery nutrition

A serve of Broth & Co Bone Broth provides approximately 5g of naturally occurring protein together with collagen-derived amino acids including:

• Glycine

• Proline

• Glutamine

Bone broth can be enjoyed:

• As a warm drink

• In soups

• In stews

• In sauces

• When cooking grains and vegetables

Learn More:

Bone Broth Benefits: The Complete Guide

Bone Broth Recipes

Kid-Friendly Gut Health Ideas

Hidden Vegetable Bone Broth Soup

Blend vegetables into a smooth bone broth-based soup.

Green Eggs and Ham

Add spinach or broccoli powder to scrambled eggs.

Pink Milk

Blend milk with beetroot powder and fruit.

VegEase Vegetable Muffins

Incorporate vegetable powders into homemade baking.

Chicken and Vegetable Broth

A simple family meal that combines protein, vegetables, and hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gut health affect behaviour?

Researchers continue to investigate how the gut microbiome may influence factors involved in mood, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.

What foods support a healthy microbiome?

A variety of vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, and fermented foods are commonly recommended.

Is bone broth suitable for children?

Bone broth can be included as part of a balanced diet and provides naturally occurring protein and collagen-derived amino acids.

What is the gut-brain axis?

The gut-brain axis refers to the communication network connecting the digestive system and the brain.

Why is microbial diversity important?

Researchers generally associate greater microbial diversity with overall gut health and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Children's development is influenced by many interconnected factors.

Researchers continue to explore how the gut microbiome may contribute to:

• Brain development

• Emotional wellbeing

• Stress resilience

• Digestive health

• Overall health outcomes

While no single food provides all the answers, building a foundation of:

✔ Whole-food nutrition

✔ Dietary variety

✔ Adequate protein

✔ Good sleep

✔ Physical activity

✔ Healthy family routines

can help support long-term wellbeing throughout childhood and beyond.

By focusing on simple, sustainable habits, families can create an environment that supports both gut health and overall development.