A novel study published in Autism and Developmental Disorders has found that combining synbiotics with gut hypnotherapy can significantly benefit the mood and gut health of autistic children.
Biotics used in this trial were supplied by dsm-firmenich, with products such as Humiome L. rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103), Humiome L. plantarum DSM 34532, Humiome B. lactis DSM 32269 and B. longum DSM 32946 featuring.
The trial, conducted at the University of Queensland, Australia, further strengthens the validity of the gut-brain axis theory, which describes the intimate linkage between the two organs and the influence that gut health has on cognition and mental health.
Previous research has backed this, with a study finding that prebiotics can boost mood and mental wellbeing, as well as sleep parameters.
This research highlights the potential of natural gut health interventions in managing challenging symptoms of autism, such as anxiety, irritability and — commonly — gastrointestinal discomfort.
The link between the gut and autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has often been associated with gastrointestinal issues, with a key meta-analyses finding that children with ASD are four times more likely to develop these problems than their neurotypical counterparts.
Recent research suggests that gastrointestinal symptoms and a gut microbiota imbalance may be parshly responsible for hallmark behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with ASD, including anxiety and irritability.
Therefore, scientists have been looking into the possibility of biotic supplements in managing ASD, which this study set out to assess.
The pilot study recruited 24 children between five and ten years old who have been diagnosed with ASD, looking into how synbiotics alone or a synbiotic solution combined with gut hypnotherapy can influence behaviour and overall gut health.
Synbiotics and gut hypnotherapy: a new frontier in ASD treatment?
During the study, groups given both the synbiotic alone and the synbiotic with gut hypnotherapy experienced significant reductions in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as constipation or diarrhoea right after intervention, as well as at the follow-up session 12 weeks later.
Those given synbiotics alone also exhibited reduced hyperactivity and 'stereotypical behaviour', associated with ASD.
In terms of GI symptoms, there was no additional improvement in the arm receiving hypnotherapy versus the synbiotic alone, but behavioural and anxiety symptoms were significantly improved in this treatment group.
On top of the behavioural impacts seen in the synbiotic-only group, the combination group experienced improvements in irritability, social withdrawal and anxiety compared with baseline.
Notably, participants in this treatment arm also maintained reduction in GI pain scores after 12 weeks, suggesting that a combination approach may be more effective than a synbiotic supplementation alone.
Researchers believe that the positive impacts observed in this trial were down to changes in gut microbiome composition, with volunteers experiencing increases in both Bifidobacterium animals and dialister.
“Evidence to suggest that modulating the gut microbiome can have far-reaching effects beyond digestion is mounting," notes dsm-firmenich's Principal Scientist, Dr Robert Steinert. "By taking a holistic approach to managing symptoms in autistic children, we can influence GI comfort, anxiety and behavior."
"This study highlights a clear opportunity 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," he concludes.