Evidence supporting the use of: Bacteria
For the health condition: Autism
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of certain bacteria—specifically, probiotics—to support or treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has some scientific rationale but remains an area of ongoing research with limited high-quality evidence. The interest stems from findings that many individuals with autism have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and that the gut microbiota may influence neurological function via the gut-brain axis. Some small studies and preclinical research have shown that children with autism can have different gut bacterial profiles compared to neurotypical children. Early clinical trials, including open-label studies and small randomized controlled trials, have explored whether probiotic supplementation can improve GI symptoms and, in some cases, behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Results have been mixed: while some studies report modest improvements in GI function and certain behavioral measures, others find no significant effect. In general, sample sizes are small, study designs are often suboptimal, and placebo effects are difficult to rule out. Major health organizations do not currently endorse probiotics or bacterial therapies as a standard treatment for autism. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, robust clinical validation is lacking, and further research is needed to clarify which, if any, bacterial interventions are effective for ASD.
Other ingredients used for Autism
acetyl l-carnitinebifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium longum
choline
curcumin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
folate
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
magnesium
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
omega-3 fatty acids
phytocannabinoids
sulforaphane glucosinolate
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
Biopterin
Bacteria
Cannabidiol
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Other health conditions supported by Bacteria
Acid IndigestionAllergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Bladder Infection
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Eczema
Endurance (lack of)
Enteritis
Fatigue
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Liver Detoxification