The Role of Microbiome, Dietary Supplements, and Probiotics in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the impairment of the cognitive function of a child. Studies suggested that the intestinal microbiota has a critical role in the function and regulation of the central nervous system, neuroimmune system and neuroendocrine system. Any adverse changes in the gut–brain axis may cause serious disease. Food preferences and dietary patterns are considered as key in influencing the factors of ASD development. Several recent reviews narrated the importance of dietary composition on controlling or reducing the ASD symptoms. It has been known that the consumption of probiotics confers several health benefits by positive amendment of gut microbiota. The influence of probiotic intervention in children with ASD has also been reported and it has been considered as an alternative and complementary therapeutic supplement for ASD. The present manuscript discusses the role of microbiota and diet in the development of ASD. It also summarizes the recent updates on the influence of dietary supplements and the beneficial effect of probiotics on ASD symptoms. An in-depth literature survey suggested that the maternal diet and lifestyle are greatly associated with the development of ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Mounting evidences have confirmed the alteration in the gut microbial composition in children suffering from ASD. However, the unique profile of microbiome has not yet been fully characterized due to the heterogeneity of patients. The supplementation of probiotics amended the symptoms associated with ASD but the results are inconclusive. The current study recommends further detailed research considering the role of microbiome, diet and probiotics in the development and control of ASD.

Are Obese Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder More Likely to Be Selenium Deficient? Research Findings on Pre- and Post-Pubertal Children

“…The available data strongly suggest that selenium mitigates the inflammatory response, but the conclusions do not directly explain whether reduced selenium body stores, as observed in our study in obese children, may enhance obesity-associated inflammation, which in turn could promote the development and progression of obesity. There is a great deal of scientific evidence that the interplay of the gut microbiota with the brain affects autism through the neuro–endocrine–immune network [ 31 , 32 ], and some animal studies suggest that gut bacteria may compete with the host for selenium when its availability in the organism becomes limited [ 33 ]. It is postulated that individuals with ASD show intestinal dysbiosis characterized by the imbalance between beneficial microbes and gut pathogenic microbes resulting in an increased presence of toxic molecules affecting the neurotransmitter function in the brain, which may lead to abnormalities in behavioral patterns [ 34 ].…”

A Revolutionizing Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Microbiome

“…The gut microbial composition, if disturbed, has an impact on the various physiological activities regulated by these microbes principally through its metabolites and has a bidirectional communication with the brain involving autonomic nervous system. Neuronal, neuroendocrine and immunologic pathways have been described through which the microbes contribute to the bidirectional signalling between the gut and the brain [17,18]. The bidirectional transfer of information between the gut and the brain is principally controlled by the vagus nerve.…”

“…The bidirectional transfer of information between the gut and the brain is principally controlled by the vagus nerve. The gut microbiota communicate to the brain via endocrine and neurocrine pathways while the brain impacts the microbial composition via immune and humoral systems mediated by autonomic nervous system, thus establishing the gut-brain-microbiota axis [18,19]. In the context of ASD, the exploration of other habitats of the microbiome, in the vagina and oral region, highlights the influence of maternal factors in the development of ASD.…”

“…The extrinsic factors consist of mainly environmental elements which include diet, lifestyle, microbial exposure in early developmental phase and infection, whereas intrinsic factors are naturally occurring elements within an individual which include genetic make-up, metabolites, immunologic and hormonal aspects [30]. The understanding of microbial involvement as part of an interplay between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors gives rise to an immense possibility of associating various factors in explaining its relation to ASD; however, the research progress in understanding the actual etiological mechanism involved in ASD development is still at an infant stage with a lack of defined explanations [18,31,32]. The co-existing health conditions in ASD is another major challenge in both research and clinical fronts.…”

Overview of Various Treatment Approaches and Their Impact on Several Difficult-to-Treat Conditions

“…Популярной стратегией лечения является нормализация микробиома с помощью пищеварительных ферментов и/или пробиотиков (см. [55]).…”