Effects of gut microbial-based treatments on gut microbiota, behavioral symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

Sixteen articles were identified that suggest gut microbial-based interventions may alter gut microbiota and improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

• Some interventions, including prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin A supplementation, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, may affect gut microbiota composition.
• Improvement in behavioral symptoms in ASD patients is associated with changes in gut microbiota due to these interventions.
• Alterations in gastrointestinal symptoms among ASD patients could potentially result from gut microbial-based treatments.
• The evidence regarding the efficacy of these interventions on GI and behavioral symptoms remains suggestive rather than conclusive.
• Further rigorous trials are needed to fully evaluate the effects of gut microbial-based treatments and to explore their underlying mechanisms.

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