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Autism and Gut–Brain Axis: Role of Probiotics

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Part of the Advances in Neurobiology book series (NEUROBIOL, volume 24)

Abstract

Characterized by a wide range of behavioural, social and language problems, autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual’s capacity to communicate and interact with others. Although the real causes that lead to the development of autism are still unclear, the gastrointestinal tract has been found to play a major role in the development of autism. Alterations in macrobiotic compositions have been reported in autistic children. Irregularities in carbohydrate digestion and absorption could also explain some of the gastrointestinal problems reported in autistic patients, although their role in the neurological and behavioural problems remains uncertain. A relationship between improved gut health and decrease of symptoms in autism has been reported as well. Studies done to evaluate the gluten-free diets, casein-free diets, pre- and probiotic and multivitamin supplementation have shown promising results. Probiotics have been thought to alleviate the progression of autism and reduce cognitive and behavioural deficits.

Keywords

Autism ASD Cognitive and behavioural deficits Gut–brain axis GI dysfunction Barrier pathway Microbiome Probiotics 
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© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of PharmacologyJSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & ResearchMysuruIndia
  2. 2.Central Animal FacilityJSS Academy of Higher Education & ResearchMysuruIndia
  3. 3.Department of Food Science and NutritionCAMS, Sultan Qaboos UniversityMuscatOman
  4. 4.Ageing and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos UniversityMuscatOman
  5. 5.Department of AnatomyCollege of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal UniversityDammamSaudi Arabia
  6. 6.Department of NeurochemistryNational Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)BengaluruIndia
  7. 7.Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
  8. 8.Research & Policy DepartmentWorld Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar FoundationDohaQatar

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