Probiotics and ASD/ADHD

This 2020 paper discusses the potential role of the intestinal microbiota in the physiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Environmental and genetic factors are believed to affect onset of autism. Since the incidences of gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic patients are 4 times higher than that of the general population, researchers are investigating the involvement of the gut microbiota in this disorder. Autistic patients have previously shown altered microbiota composition and unusual production of bacterial metabolites. There are also articles that support the involvement of the immune system and tryptophan metabolism (in the gut and the central nervous system) in the pathophysiology of ASD. Furthermore, several clinical studies and many preclinical studies have reported that antibiotic and probiotic treatments, as well as fecal microbiota transplantation, can possibly improve behavior in patients with autism.