Cited by 62Gut microbiota and healthAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchProbiotics and Fermented Foods

A review of probiotics in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: Perspectives from the gut–brain axis

Open access
Feng, Pengya, Zhao, Shuai, Zhang, Yangyang, Li, Enyao·2023·Frontiers in Microbiology

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a large societal impact. Despite existing evidence suggesting a link between ASD pathogenesis and gut–brain axis dysregulation, there is no systematic review of the treatment of probiotics on ASD and its associated gastrointestinal abnormalities based on the gut–brain axis. Therefore, we performed an analysis for ASD based on preclinical and clinical research to give a comprehensive synthesis of published evidence of a potential mechanism for ASD. On the one hand, this review aims to elucidate the link between gastrointestinal abnormalities and ASD. Accordingly, we discuss gut microbiota dysbiosis regarding gut–brain axis dysfunction. On the other hand, this review suggests that probiotic administration to regulate the gut–brain axis might improve gastrointestinal symptoms, restore ASD-related behavioral symptoms, restore gut microbiota composition, reduce inflammation, and restore intestinal barrier function in human and animal models. This review suggests that targeting the microbiota through agents such as probiotics may represent an approach for treating subsets of individuals with ASD.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1123462

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  • Probiotics can influence neurotransmitter production, which is essential for social behavior, mood regulation, and cognitive function.

    “Second, probiotics can influence neurotransmitter production, which is essential for social behavior, mood regulation, and cognitive function.”
  • Probiotics contribute to restoring a healthy gut microbiota, addressing dysbiosis that is often associated with both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in ASD.

    “Third, probiotics contribute to restoring a healthy gut microbiota, addressing dysbiosis that is often associated with both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in ASD.”
  • Probiotics can enhance gastrointestinal health by alleviating common symptoms such as constipation and bloating, which are frequently observed in individuals with ASD.

    “Finally, they can enhance gastrointestinal health by alleviating common symptoms such as constipation and bloating, which are frequently observed in individuals with ASD [126].”

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Authors
Feng, P., Zhao, S., Zhang, Y., & Li, E.
Affiliations
  • Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (CN)
  • Henan University of Technology (CN)
Corresponding author
Li, Enyao
Venue
Frontiers in Microbiology
Published
2023-03-16
Volume
14
Pages
1123462-1123462
ISSN
1664-302X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4327606467
Cited by
62
References
117
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 2
FWCI
1.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Microbiology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province (212300410399)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, probiotics, gut-brain axis, gut dysbiosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, behavioral symptoms, inflammation, intestinal barrier function, autism treatment

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