Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2025

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Gut Microbiota-Based Interventions on Gastrointestinal and Behavioral Symptoms in

Xiuyan Gao¹, Ningning Fu¹, Qi Ben¹

¹School of Nursing, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.

Nutrition Reviews

|April 29, 2025

Abstract

Context:

Despite an increasing body of research showing gut microbiota-based interventions can improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and behavioral symptoms in both humans and animals, there are still disagreements about its impact on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

Objective:

The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to fully investigate the effects of gut microbiota-based interventions (eg, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics) on GI and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD.

Data Sources:

The PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Scopus databases were searched from inception to August 25, 2024.

Data Extraction:

Data were extracted by 2 reviewers independently, and discrepancies in authors' judgments were resolved by discussion or consulting a third author.

Data Analysis:

The scale score of GI and behavioral symptoms before and after the intervention was extracted from included trials to evaluate the therapeutic effects of gut microbiota-based therapy in children with autism.

Results:

A total of 5722 records were identified, of which 13 included in narrative synthesis and 8 studies included a meta-analysis. The nonsignificant overall effect size of gut microbiota-based intervention on GI symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.34 [95% CI, -0.76 to 0.07]; P = .11) and behavioral symptoms (SMD = -0.18 [95% CI, -0.37 to 0.02]; P = .08) was observed. Nevertheless, we observed a significant effect size on behavioral symptoms in the subgroup of the intervention duration (SMD = -0.26 [95% CI, -0.49 to -0.03]; P = .02).

Conclusions:

In children with autism, the proof supporting the validity of gut microbiota-based intervention on GI and behavioral symptoms should be interpreted cautiously. More randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodological quality are required to precisely confirm the curative benefits of gut microbiota-based interventions on GI and behavioral symptoms in children with autism.

Systematic Review Registration:

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024583213.

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorder children gut microbiota–based intervention meta-analysis

More Related Videos

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice

Published on: June 2, 2022

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

Anatomy of the Intestines

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...

What is Monogastric Digestion?

What is Monogastric Digestion?

The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Population and landscape genomics provide insights into the adaptive genetic variation and future climate-induced vulnerability of the endangered tree species Phoebe bournei.

Horticulture research·2026

Gut microbiota alterations associated with anxiety and depression in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review of prospective cohorts and randomized trials.

Frontiers in microbiology·2026

Effectiveness of Different Virtual Reality Technologies for Social and Communication Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Current Evidence and Future Directions.

JMIR pediatrics and parenting·2026

N-Acetylcysteine and Dementia Risk in Elderly Patients.

International journal of geriatric psychiatry·2026

A Novel Inactivated Vaccine Based on an Emerging PEDV GIIc Variant Provides Cross-Protection Against Heterologous GII Strains.

Vaccines·2026

Successful cell culture isolation and experimental pathogenicity evaluation of porcine bocavirus G3.

Virulence·2026

See all related articles