Autism linked to decreased microbe diversity in the gut: Study

3 July 2013 - Nutraingredients

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The race to map and understand the microbial microflora that inhibits our guts is one of the hottest topics and greatest challenges in current research.  The suggested links between the microbiota and a whole range of health conditions and wellness measures - including digestion, body weight, immunity, mood, and heart health - are now only beginning to be understood. 

Writing in PLoS One, the research team led by Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown of Arizona State University, present findings from the first comprehensive bacterial analysis focusing on commensal - or beneficial - bacteria in children with ASD, finding that children with autism had significantly fewer types of gut bacteria and had signficantly lower amounts of three critical bacteria, Prevotella, Coprococcus and Veillonellac.

Krajmalnik-Brown said: "One of the reasons we started addressing this topic is the fact that autistic children have a lot of GI problems that can last into adulthood.  Studies have shown that when we manage these problems, their behaviour improves dramatically."