Promising early results have emerged in a trial on a probiotic to treat gut problems in autism.
That’s the view of lead researcher Susan Simmons, of University College London (UCL).
Probiotic researcher Susan Simmons with son RoryStill enrolling families
Still enrolling families
Simmons, a nutritionist, is still enrolling families for the trial using children with autism.
She is looking for children aged three to 16.
So far, one child has come through the study while another is nearing completion.
Simmons has a 26-year-old son, Rory McCall, who has autism.
‘Very good effects’
She said: “There have been parent reports of not only very good effects on bowel symptoms, but also parents saying they are calmer, more aware.”
The probiotic the researchers are testing is Vivomixx.
They are conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.
This means they are giving children an inactive ingredient to compare the probiotic against. Neither researchers nor the families will know which they are receiving.
Each child will take the active treatment for 12 weeks and the placebo for 12 weeks, with a four-week break between them.
Probiotic or placebo
At this stage it’s unclear whether the two children who saw improvements were receiving either the probiotic or placebo.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts, usually added to yoghurts or taken as food supplements.
They are said to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, including the stomach and intestines.
The researchers had initially hoped to recruit up to 82 children for the trial, but are now aiming for 60.
They will assess children on speech, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, and health when they enroll for the study. They will carry out the same assessments again after the first and second three-month courses of treatment.
To find out more about the study click here.
Anyone interested in getting involved should email Simmons at: susan.simmons.16@ucl.ac.uk
Related:
- Evidence grows for autism link to gut
- Study seeks proof of gut link to autism
- Stress ‘likely cause of gut issues’
- Study reinforces role of gut health
Published: 31 August 2018
