“`html
Study Summary
The study investigated the use of prebiotics and probiotics (called synbiotics when combined) to improve symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 296 children and adults diagnosed with ASD compared to 123 age-matched neurotypical controls. The study found that precision synbiotic supplementation led to improvements in gastrointestinal and ASD-related symptoms.
Key Findings
- Participants with ASD showed significant differences in gut microbes compared to neurotypical controls.
- Following synbiotic supplementation, the ASD group exhibited increased gut microbial diversity and improvements in ASD-related symptoms, including reduced gastrointestinal discomfort and enhanced language, comprehension, cognition, thinking, and speech.
- However, the study’s open-label design may have included some placebo effects.
Importance
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 children in the United States, leading to significant health, financial, and psychological burdens. This study sheds light on the potential of synbiotic supplementation as a future therapeutic approach for ASD, despite the challenges of conducting case-control supplementation studies in this population.
Practical Implications
- Synbiotic supplementation may offer a promising avenue for improving gastrointestinal and ASD-related symptoms in individuals with ASD.
- Understanding the gut microbiome’s role in ASD could lead to more effective therapeutic strategies in the future.
For the full clinical trial report, please visit: Clinical Trial Report
“`
