Yogurt Improves Gut Barrier Function
Many individuals with autism have gastrointestinal issues which involve a “leaky gut”, or permeability of the gastrointestinal tract lining. The permeability allows substances to enter the bloodstream such as the inflammatory cytokine, soluble CD14, which is a marker of gut hyperpermeability.
Improvement from 6 Month Probiotic/Prebiotic Treatment for Autism
A new study [1] confirms differences in gut microbiome composition between autistic children and typically developing children, and has reported improvement in autism symptomatology with a probiotic/prebiotic treatment. Improvements were seen in gut microbiome diversity, metabolites and function, as well as autism behaviors and neurotransmitters.
Positive Results from a Microbiome Treatment Trial for Autism
A new drug called AB-2004 removes harmful metabolites such as 4-EPS from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that are generated from certain kinds of gut bacteria. These metabolites can create a leaky gut allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and then the brain, affecting brain function. This could lead to symptoms of autism.