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Initial evidence suggests a role for synbiotic supplements in managing digestive discomfort and enhancing behavioral wellbeing in autistic children

Evidence from a clinical study deepens insight into role of the gut-brain axis, marking progress towards a more holistic strategy for managing gastrointestinal (GI), irritability and anxiety-related symptoms in autistic children with synbiotics, either alone or in combination with gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH). 

A new study from the University of Queensland, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, has revealed that a combined intervention of a synbiotic and gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) significantly reduces gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, irritability and anxiety symptoms in autistic children. The research provides new insight into the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis and its role in autism, and creates an opportunity for supplement manufacturers to tap into demand for reliable, safe and effective solutions for increasing the standard of care for autistic children with comorbid gut symptoms.  

Alterations in microbiota composition have long been associated with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), which are more common in children with autism, and are typically associated with stereotypical behavior, such as hyperactivity and anxiety.   

Measuring success: study method, objectives and key results 

The randomized pilot study involved 40 children diagnosed with ASD aged five to ten years. It compared the effects of synbiotics alone (SYN group) and synbiotics combined with GDH (COM group). Probiotics and prebiotics have both shown efficacy in improving GI and behavioral symptoms in autistic children, along with GDH, which is a commonly used treatment that aims to manage anxiety symptoms and normalize signals between the gut and the brain using relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and suggestive storytelling.  

As a primary end point, the study set out to assess changes in GI scores evaluating common symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea, over a 12-week intervention period with a follow-up at 24 weeks. Interestingly, both groups exhibited significant reductions in GI symptoms post-intervention and at follow-up, with no superiority of the COM treatment over the SYN treatment.   

A secondary objective was set to observe improvements in behavioral and anxiety symptoms. The SYN group showed significantly improved scores for hyperactivity and stereotypical behavior. The COM group also showed improvements in these areas, in addition to irritability, social withdrawal, anxiety and inappropriate speech when compared to baseline. 

The COM group also maintained significant reductions in GI pain scores at follow-up, suggesting lasting benefits of GDH when combined with synbiotic supplementation.    

Changes in gut microbiome composition were also assessed as an exploratory benefit. These were observed across both groups, and included increases in Bifidobacterium animalis and Dialister, indicating a potential link between microbiome modulation and symptom improvement.  

Together, these data suggest that synbiotics with or without GDH can help to support standard care for autistic children who also suffer from gut symptoms. 

The opportunity  

“The study contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that modulating the gut microbiome can have far-reaching effects beyond digestion, potentially influencing GI comfort, anxiety and behavior in autistic children,” said PD Dr Robert E Steinert, Principal Scientist at dsm-firmenich. “It represents a promising step towards a more holistic approach for managing symptoms in autistic children, and more widely, underscores the wider importance of the gut-brain axis in overall well-being. There is a clear opportunity here for supplement brands to expand their offerings with safe and targeted solutions that support higher standards of care for autistic children with comorbid gut symptoms.”   

Powerful ingredients: Humiome® biotics 

The study used biotics supplied by dsm-firmenich from its Humiome® portfolio, with the products chosen for their proven capability to improve gut health and supporting the gut-brain axis. The biotics supplied included a blend of Humiome® L. rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103), Humiome® L. plantarum DSM 34532 (formerly known as L. plantarum TIFN101), Humiome® B. lactis DSM 32269 and B. longum DSM 32946.   

Read more about dsm-firmenich’s commitment to advancing science to elevate global health here: https://www.dsm-firmenich.com/en/businesses/health-nutrition-care/segments/dietary-supplements/health-from-the-gut.html   

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