Probiotics and Autism: A Review of Their Effects
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Jen-Chin, Chen Chia-Min, Sun Cheuk-Kwan, Tsai I-Ting, Cheng Yu-Shian, Chiu Hsien-Jane, Wang Ming Yu, Tang Yen-Hsiang, Hung Kuo-Chuan
Primary Institution: Department of General Psychiatry, Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Hypothesis
Can probiotics alleviate the core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Conclusion
Probiotics may improve overall behavioral symptoms of ASD, particularly in individuals using multiple-strain probiotics, but do not significantly affect core symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Ten studies with 522 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
- Significant improvement in total symptoms was observed in the probiotics group compared to controls.
- Subgroup analyses showed improvement in total symptoms only in studies using multiple-strain probiotics.
- Probiotics were well-tolerated with mild side effects reported.
Takeaway
This study found that giving probiotics to kids with autism might help them behave better, especially if they take a mix of different types of probiotics.
Methodology
The study analyzed randomized placebo-controlled trials to assess the effects of probiotics on ASD symptoms.
Potential Biases
Some studies had a high risk of bias due to sponsorship from private companies.
Limitations
The limited number of included trials and lack of investigation into gastrointestinal symptoms were significant limitations.
Participant Demographics
Participants included children and adolescents with a mean age of 8.11 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI −0.36 to −0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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