There is emerging resereach on the probiotic bacteria and their role in preventing and improving autism symptoms.
In this study, 30 autistic children from 5 to 9 years old were evaluated according to the Gastrointestinal Severity Index questionnaire. The children’s autistic symptoms were assessed with the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist before and after 3 months of supplementing with 3 probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria longum.
After probiotic supplementation, the stool of autistic children showed increases in the colony counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli levels. There was also significant improvements in the severity of autism and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The researchers concluded:
“We concluded that probiotics have beneficial effects on both behavioral and GI manifestations of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Probiotics (a non-pharmacological and relatively risk-free option) could be recommended for children with ASD as an adjuvant therapy.”
