Probiotics Show Potential in Treating Autism Symptoms
Autism sufferers may benefit from probiotics, reports new research published in the Journal of Probiotics and Health, reports Nutra Ingredients.
Funded by U.S. manufacturer Pure Research Products, a company that makes the probiotic nutritional supplement marketed as Delpro, the study targeted bowel related issues common in Autism Sepctrum Disorder.
“With autism rates rising dramatically in recent years, there is an ever-increasing need to identify remedies for common issues among children with ASD, John Sichel of Pure Research Products said. “Nutritional supplements may be well-positioned to help with the commonly reported gastrointestinal problems among children with ASD.”
The researchers notes that during the study, of the children with digestive issues, nearly half experienced decreases in diarrhea severity after taking the probiotic supplement. More than half also experienced a decrease in constipation as well.
The children took the probiotics over a six-month period. The supplements contained 10 billion colony forming units of several probiotic strains. “According to the findings in this study, the probiotic/immunomodulator formulation Delpro holds promise as a potential remedy for children with ASD and GI dysfunction or abnormal stool testing,” the team noted.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum Disorder includes a group of developmental disabilities that can cause “significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. CDC is committed to continuing to provide essential data on ASDs, search for risk factors and causes, and develop resources that help identify children with ASDs as early as possible.” An estimated one in 88 children has the disorder, with boys five times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls.
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