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Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Gut Microbiota in Children with Autism: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Sachin Agrawal1,2, Shripada Rao2,3, Andrew Whitehouse4,5
1Neonatal Directorate, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, WA 6008, Australia.
Insights
This pilot study found that probiotics did not change gut microbiota diversity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, Bifidobacteriaceae levels increased, suggesting further research into probiotics for ASD is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis is prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Probiotics may influence the gut microbiota-brain axis, potentially improving ASD outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a multi-strain probiotic on gut microbiota diversity and related outcomes in children with ASD.
- To assess changes in faecal microbiota profiles, short-chain fatty acid levels, and behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized trial involving children aged 2-5 years with confirmed ASD.
- Intervention group received a multi-strain probiotic; control group received a placebo.
- Faecal microbiota profiles assessed pre- and post-supplementation.
Main Results:
- Recruitment challenges led to a smaller sample size (n=23) than planned.
- No significant changes in overall gut microbiota diversity were observed.
- A significant increase in Bifidobacteriaceae was noted in the probiotic group (p=0.046).
Conclusions:
- The observed increase in Bifidobacteriaceae supports further investigation of probiotics for ASD.
- Addressing participant recruitment and retention challenges is crucial for future ASD microbiome trials.
Background:
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Probiotics have the potential to improve outcomes in ASD by modulating the gut microbiota-brain axis.
Methods:
In a pilot randomised trial, children (2 to 5 years) with confirmed ASD (DSM-5 criteria) received either a multi-strain probiotic (450 billion CFU twice daily for one month, followed by once daily for three months) or placebo supplementation. Faecal microbiota profiles were assessed using pre- and post-supplementation samples. The primary outcome involved changes in gut microbiota diversity. Secondary outcomes included faecal short-chain fatty acid levels and behavioural changes.
Results:
Difficulties in recruitment and loss to follow-up for reasons including COVID-19 resulted in the enrolment of only 23 (probiotic: 9; placebo: 14) instead of the planned 40 children. There was no evidence of changes in the gut microbiota in probiotic-supplemented children. The common phyla were Bacillota_A (~50%), Bacteroidota (~18%) and Actinobacteriota (~10%). Alpha- and Beta-diversity showed no significant difference between pre- vs. post-supplementation samples. Bifodobacteriaceae increased significantly in the probiotic-supplemented group (p = 0.046).
Conclusions:
The increase in faecal Bifodobacteriaceae supports an evaluation of probiotics in ASD. Addressing the reasons for loss to follow-up is important when designing trials in this field.
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01:22Probiotics
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01:22Gut-Brain Axis
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
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