• “Advanced parental age is a well-replicated risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” [2020] Prefered both under 30.

• “Advanced paternal or maternal age over 30 years was monotonically associated with increased ASD risk” [2020] ” ASD risk was higher among grandchildren of younger (≤19 years) grandparents” “Possible transmission of ASD risk across generations should be considered in etiological research on ASD.”
• ” Risk factors for both disorders (ASD, ADHD) including maternal smoking, prematurity, and gestational diabetes” [2014]
• “Extremely preterm children are at increased risk for autism spectrum symptoms and ASD in middle childhood.” [2010]
• “In analyses where modeled prenatal maternal Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances serum concentrations served as in utero exposure, we observed that prenatal  perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)  exposure, but not other PFAS, were borderline associated with increased odds of child diagnosis of ASD” [2020]
  • “A single neonatal exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) affects the levels of important neuroproteins in the developing mouse brain” [2013] “These compounds are commonly used in products such as surfactant and protective coating due to their ability to repel water- and oil stains.”
  • “PFOS was the key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and numerous stain repellents”
• “Significant vitamin D deficiency is described within children affected by ASD and in pregnant mothers whose offspring will later develop ASD, suggesting a possible role of the hormone as a contributing risk factor in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. ” [2020]
• “we concluded that there is consistent evidence supporting a positive association between early life inorganic Arsenic exposure and diagnosis of ASD ” [2019] see this article for where it is used (i.e. some pressure treated outdoor wood)
• “Maternal occupational exposure to solvents may increase the risk for ASD. “[2019] – household cleaning solvents may be in scope.
• “The observations that risk was highest for fall births (i.e., conceived in the winter) and lowest for spring births (i.e., conceived in the summer), and sunlight levels during critical neurodevelopmental periods explained much of the seasonal trends, are consistent with the hypothesis that a seasonally fluctuating risk factor may influence risk of ASD.” [2019]
• ” Univariate analyses showed correlation for the presence of siblings with ASD, presence of family members with ASD, maternal use of medications and maternal smoking during pregnancy; and child’s gestational age at the start of prenatal vitamins with a diagnosis of ASD. ” [2019]
• “Maternal history of eczema/psoriasis and asthma was associated with a 20%-40% increased odds of both ASD and DD.” [2019]
• “Our data suggest that air pollutant exposure in early infancy but not during pregnancy increases the risk of being diagnosed with autism and Asperger among children” [2018]
• “Potential prenatal causes suggested thus far are many and varied, including paracetamol [TYLENOL, Acetaminophen] (Archivist Oct 2016 doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2016–3 11 708), antidepressant drugs (Archivist March 2016 doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2016–3 10 462), ultrasound (Archivist Sept 2018 doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2018–3 15 816), season of conception (Lucina Dec 2016 doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2016–3 12 102), and obesity, among many others.[ BMJ 2019]
• “These results support previous findings relating to sex and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers in the largest set of individuals for which  Autism-Spectrum Quotient scores..”[2015] In other words, a couple where both have a STEM career has a much higher odds of ASD off spring.
• ” increasing risk of ASD (Kinney, Barch, Chayka, Napoleon, & Munir, 2010). These environmental factors could be mediated through pesticides (Roberts, Karr, & Council on Environmental Health, 2012), lead (Kim et al., 2013; Parajuli, Fujiwara, Umezaki, & Watanabe, 2013; Rahbar, White, Agboatwalla, Hozhabri, & Luby, 2002), arsenic (Parajuli et al., 2013; Rahbar et al., 2012), mercury (Marques, Dorea, Bernardi, Bastos, & Malm, 2009; Rahbar et al., 2013), or combustion pollutants (Tang et al., 2008). [highway/car pollutants] ” [2014]
  • “odds of having a child with ASD were twice as high for fathers who were engineers as compared to all other white-collar occupations’
  • ” fathers of cases were seven times more likely to work in healthcare “
  • “five times more likely to work in accounting/financial analysis”
  • “association of maternal occupations in healthcare with odds being twice as high in mothers of cases than controls”
  • “These results are consistent with the theories of Baron-Cohen (2006), who has also suggested that the combination of two highly systemizing parents may contribute to the likelihood of producing a child with ASD (Baron-Cohen, 2006; Buchen, 2011), or in this case, a child with more recognizable symptomatology. “

Bottom Line

Time of conception plays an important role and age of parents. Delaying having a child increases the risk. Exposure to common household solvents, water-repellent material (Scotguard), and treated wood also increases the risk. Adequate Vitamin D may decrease the risk. A variety of over the counter and prescription drugs increases the risk (see this earlier post). Being in a clean rural environment during pregnancy and for the first years of a child life appears to be a definite positive.

Unfortunately couples form without evaluating the risk of two highly systemizing parents being involved.

Benfotiamine is a dietary supplement that is a derivative of thiamine (AKA vitamin B1). From my CFS research, it may have benefits for autism.

• Thiamine and benfotiamine protect neuroblastoma cells against paraquat and β-amyloid toxicity by a coenzyme-independent mechanism. [2019]
  • High levels of Alzheimer beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in children with severely autistic behavior and aggression. [2006]
  • Benfotiamine prevents increased β-amyloid production in HEK cells induced by high glucose. [2012]
  • Powerful beneficial effects of benfotiamine on cognitive impairment and beta-amyloid deposition in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 transgenic mice. [2010]
• Benfotiamine attenuates inflammatory response in LPS stimulated BV-2 microglia. [2015]
• Anti-inflammatory effects of benfotiamine are mediated through the regulation of the arachidonic acid pathway in macrophages. [2012]
• Quantitation of plasma thiamine, related metabolites and plasma protein oxidative damage markers in children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls. [2016] “Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) was decreased 24% in autistic children compared to healthy controls:”
• “we find differences in thiamine homeostasis in ASD patients, which can be corrected by supplementation” [2015]
• “Thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide [a different form] appears to have a beneficial clinical effect on some autistic children, since 8 of the 10 children improved clinically.” [2002]

Bottom Line

After reviewing with your physician, you may wish to consider supplementing, especially if there is aggression or more severe behaviors. See my ME/CFS post for dosages used.

The Beta-Amyloid aspect is interesting. I am a high function ASD who have had several rounds of ME/CFS (all triggered by stress, typically interpersonal). In one of these rounds, I had a SPECT scan. The radiologist read it as early Alzheimer’s. It is probable that he saw the build up of a pattern associated with beta-Amyloids. With recovery, the pattern disappeared.

For many (but not all) microbiome conditions, trace mineral supplementation helps. This is a review of the current literature on PubMed.

• “No significant differences in the whole blood Cu, Zn/Cu ratio, Fe, or Mg was detected between the ASD group and the control group.” [2019 Study]
  • It is notable that whole blood Fe level in boys with ASD was significantly higher than in girls with ASD, and was nearly significant when compared with the control level of boys. 
  •  After stratification for age, a significant 6% decrease in whole blood Zn levels was detected in preschool-aged children with ASD as compared to the control values.
  • The results of the present study suggest an association between whole blood levels of Zn in Chinese children with ASD.
•  Concentrations of lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury, calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. [2019 Study]
• No differences in intracellular Mg were found between controls and pathological subjects; however, autistic children and children with other autistic spectrum disorders had significantly lower plasma concentrations of Mg than normal subjects (p=0.013 and p=0.02, respectively) [2006 Study]
• “The Vitamin D and folate levels of children with ASD were significantly lower than those of control children. The levels of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in children with ASD were significantly lower than those in control children, and no significant difference was found in copper (Cu) levels. Correlation analysis showed that Vitamin A and Ca levels were negatively correlated with ASD symptoms. Folate, Ca, Fe and Zn were positively correlated with the Gesell Developmental Scale GDS scores of autistic children. ” [2018 Study]
• Autistic children with high MBP-Ab levels were characterized by 28% higher serum Mn and lower Mg concentration.  [2018 Study]
• ” hair concentrations of chromium (p=0.024), cobalt (p=0.012), iodine (p=0.000), iron (p=0.017), and magnesium (p=0.007) in ASD patients were significantly lower than those of control subjects, while there were higher magnesium levels in the hair of ASD patients compared to that of controls (p=0.010). Patients with ASD had higher blood levels of copper (p=0.000) and lower levels of zinc compared to controls (p=0.021). Further urinary iodine levels in patients with ASD were decreased in comparison with controls (p=0.026). ” [2017 Study]
• This study suggests that deficiency of iron and Vitamin D as well as anemia were more common in autistic compared to control children. [2017 Study]
• Is high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency evidence for autism disorder?: In a highly endogamous population. [2014]
• These results indicate that lower 25(OH) D levels may be independently associated with severity of ASD among Chinese patients, and lower serum 25(OH) D levels could be considered as an independent risk factor for ASD. [2014 study]
• Assessment of infantile mineral imbalances in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). [2013] applies to 0-3 only
• ASD children also had significantly higher levels of essential minerals sulfur, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, but lower levels of calcium and copper in their hair samples. This study corroborates data from previous studies in different parts of the world indicating the presence of elevated levels of heavy metals and selective depletion of essential minerals in the hair of children with ASD. [2013 Study]
•  There was a significant positive correlation between lead & verbal communication (p = 0.020) and general impression (p = 0.008). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between zinc & fear and nervousness (p = 0.022). [2012 Study]

Manipulation Attempts

• “a case of a 9-year-old boy with autism that responded positively to nutritional supplements. a combination of a large dose of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal HCl) and magnesium. ” [2011 Study] this was for one person
  • Vitamin B6-magnesium treatment for autism: the current status of the research.[2010]
  •  this study suggests that the behavioral improvement observed with the combination vitamin B6-magnesium in PDD/autism is associated with concomitant modifications of Erc-Mg values. [2006 Study]
  • his small study (n=8) only measured IQ and ‘Social Quotient’ and found a statistically significant benefit for IQ (5.2, 95% CI = [0.2 to 10.3]) when in the treated group, by using change scores. ue to the small number of studies, the methodological quality of studies, and small sample sizes… no recommendation can be advanced regarding the use of B6-Mg as a treatment for autism. [2005 Study]
  • Brief report: lack of response in an autistic population to a low dose clinical trial of pyridoxine plus magnesium. [1993]

Bottom Line

Magnesium and Vitamin B6 trials reported positive results on some subgroups with sufficient dosage. Vitamin D supplementation until the child is close to the top of the normal range appears likely to have significant effect. Zinc is reported high is some studies and low in other studies. For a child with fear and nervousness, supplementation may reduce the severity.

The available weak evidence is low iodine levels. Magnesium was lower except that it was higher in hair samples. This suggests that ASD metabolism may influence what is found in the hair.

This is a three part post, first review of actual published studies, second review of probiotic suggested by published studies on microbiome shifts with autism, third review of probiotics created from a composite off all autism-tag microbiome on my site.

“Probiotics have been thought to alleviate the progression of autism and reduce cognitive and behavioural deficits.” [2020 Study]

1-Published Studies

I restricted to actual human studies. Many of these studies appear to be sponsored or assisted by product manufacturers.

• ” In conclusion, the favourable effect of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function in children and adolescents was observed in one study with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) 1×10¹⁰ cfu supplementation by a risk reduction of developing ADHD or AS (i.e. autism). ” [2019 Study]
• ” 6 strains of bacteria; each strain has 1 billion CFU/gram. The dosage is 6 g per day (36 billion CFU in total)…Probiotics treatment can reduce the magnitude ASD-related and gastrointestinal symptoms” [2019 Study] – have emailed authors for details
• “Following Bimuno® galactooligosaccharide (B-GOS®) ® intervention, we observed improvements in anti-social behaviour, significant increase of Lachnospiraceae family, and significant changes in faecal and urine metabolites.” [2018 Study]
• ” VSL#3, a multi-strain mixture of ten probiotics… reduced the severity of abdominal symptoms as expected but an improvement in Autistic core symptoms was unexpectedly clinically evident already after few weeks from probiotic treatment start” [2016 Study]

Conclusion: galactooligosaccharide supplements, 36 BCFU/day of Lactobacillus Probiotics (No Bifidobacterium — ASD is often high/very high in them). LGG has not been demonstrated to help after ASD occurs, just before (risk reduction).

2-Published studies on microbiome shifts

This data comes from MicrobiomePrescription site, A Priori Adjustment page

• lactobacillus reuteri (probiotics)
• lactobacillus gasseri (probiotics)
• This was also suggested: bifidobacterium infantis (probiotics) but I have hestancy on adding more bifidobacterium (unless known to be very low).

Given the goal of 36 BCFU per day, the best cost option would likely be CustomProbiotics that sells these in pure bulk form powder.

• L. Reuteri 100gm, US$ 120 for 50gm or 250 servings of 20 BCFU.

• L. Gasseri US$ 120 for 50gm or 500 servings of 20 BCFU.
  

• $240 for 250 days of dosages, or a dollar a day.
• I have no financial interest in Custom Probiotics – and I often order from them

3-Composite using all autism-tag microbiomes

This is done by using the average value from 90+ microbiome samples marked with an official diagnosis of autism. This composite is in the Demo Login (so you can explore it in other ways).

Running several different scenarios on this composite

• Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacteriales is high in our sample

I first did a hand picked against Autism and ended up with:

There is a list of probiotics to avoid

Playing around (lots of choices), the only significant one to add was lactobacillus kefiri (NOT KEFIR) – which is unfortunately only available in Italy.

Bottom Line

The short of the above is a daily dosage of at least 36 BCfu of Lactobacillus species with L.Reuteri and L.Gasseri being the strongest choices. L. Kefiri if you happen to know someone in Italy. lactobacillus paracasei (probiotics) showed off frequently in some scenarios.

REMEMBER:

• Any addition of probiotics should be reviewed by your physician, the above is “academic” and “educational”
• Start off with a small dosage and slowly increase to the goal
• Do not be surprised if: (and cited in some studies reviewed)
  • Diarrhea happens for a few days – it is dislodging some nasty customers
  • Die-off or Herxheimer effect –

I was personally hoping for better clarity / course of action when I started this post then when I am closing it. If your MD gives the go ahead, please post a report as a comment every 2 weeks for the benefits of others.

Acetaminophen and Autism do not mix. Since 2008, there should have been warning not to give children Acetaminophen after a vaccination:

 Ibuprofen use after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination was not associated with autistic disorder. This preliminary study found that acetaminophen use after measles-mumps-rubella vaccination was associated with autistic disorder.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) use, measles-mumps-rubella vaccination, and autistic disorder: the results of a parent survey. [2008]

Pregnant mothers should have been warned against using Acetaminophen. ASD children should not be given it.

• Standard Medical Advice “The non-prescription medication paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) is currently recommended as a safe pain and fever treatment during pregnancy.” [2018 Article]
• “Acetaminophen use in children has been associated with increased autism risk” [2010 Study]
• “Acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for ADHD, ASD, and hyperactivity symptoms.” [2018 Study]
• Postnatal Acetaminophen and Potential Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Males.[2020] “Using this data set, the PAF associated with postnatal acetaminophen was estimated to be about 40% of the risk of ASD among male children in the US. These results suggest the possibility that postnatal acetaminophen may be a significant contributor to the risk of ASD among males in the US.”
• “Cord biomarkers of fetal exposure to acetaminophen were associated with significantly increased risk of childhood ADHD and ASD in a dose-response fashion.” [2019 Study]
• “these nine studies suggest an increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes following prenatal paracetamol (acetaminophen) exposure” [2018 Study]
• “Acetaminophen use in childhood was associated with autism spectrum disorder, asthma symptoms, wheezing, and allergic disease. ” [2017 Study]
• “This view mandates extreme urgency in probing the long-term effects of acetaminophen use in babies and the possibility that many cases of infantile autism may actually be induced by acetaminophen exposure shortly after birth.” [2017 Study]
• “Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with a greater number of autism spectrum symptoms in males and showed adverse effects on attention-related outcomes for both genders. These associations seem to be dependent on the frequency of exposure.” [2016 Study]
• “Maternal use of acetaminophen in pregnancy was associated with ASD with hyperkinetic symptoms only, suggesting acetaminophen exposure early in fetal life may specifically impact this hyperactive behavioral phenotype. ” [2015 Study]
• “We also found that children with ASD vs. non-ASD children are significantly more likely to show an increase in sociability when they have a fever (p = 0.037) and theorize that this increase is due to anandamide activation of the endocannabinoid system in ASD children with low endocannabinoid tone from early acetaminophen use. In light of this we recommend that acetaminophen use be reviewed for safety in children.” [2016 Study]

Direct impact on Social Behavior

• A recent study by Mischkowski, Crocker, and Way (Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 11: 1345-1353, 2016) provides novel insights into neurobiological underpinnings of empathy by demonstrating that acetaminophen, a widely used painkiller, reduces empathy for other’s physical and social pain. [2017 Study]

Microbiome Impact

Using published study data, we find that acetaminophen has a strong adverse impact on the microbiome changes seen with autism. That is, it causes the abnormal shifts to increase further.

This post started as a look at all of the amino acid shifts seen with Autism. One amino acid stood out so I dug deeper into that one.

Note that the results also depend on diet and one should not assume that it applies to every child. Results reported from a single study are often unreliable.

• .-aminobutyric acid, Lower
• β-alanine, Lower
• ammonia Higher
• aspartic acid, Lower
• asparagine Higher
• betaine, Lower
• citrulline, Lower
• creatine Higher
• creatinine, Lower
• d-threitol Higher
• glutamate, Lower
• glycine, Lower, Higher
• hippurate, Higher
• isoleucine, Lower, Lower
• lactate, Lower
• leucine, Lower, Lower
• lysine Lower
• methionine, Lower
• phenylalanine, Lower, Lower,
• proline amino acids Lower
• taurine Lower
• tryptophan, Lower, Lower, Lower, Lower, Higher, Lower
  • “Elevated BDNF levels and lower tryptophan and KA levels were characteristics of both childhood autism and intellectual disability disorder, whilst elevated tryptophan and lower 5-HT synthesis were hallmarks of Asperger syndrome. ” [2018]
  • “we show that a reduction in the relative abundance of very particular bacterial taxa … namely, bile-metabolizing Bifidobacterium and Blautia species, – is associated with deficient bile acid and tryptophan metabolism in the intestine,[2017]
  • “According to the current literature, abnormal levels of tryptophan entails further irregularities, including serotonin pathway.” [2017]
  • “The vast majority of the results here reported is within usually previously reported reference range (Wishart et al. 2013) for ASD children with vitamins B and magnesium supplementation. Patients without such supplementation have disturbed levels of tryptophan[wild swings]. ” [2017]
• valine Lower, Lower

 Final regression model to detect Autism comprised of urinary free valine and tryptophan [2018].

Quick look at 2 autism children with multiple samples:

Bottom Line

Vitamins B and magnesium supplementation has been studied with positive effects. I have not located any human studies on using valine and tryptophan supplements.

“Our findings demonstrate mouse sociability and brain 5-HT turnover are reduced by acute TRP depletion, and can be enhanced by TRP supplementation. “[2015]

The purpose of this post is to recap the current studies on supplements that may help with Autism. With autism there are DNA mutations (SNP) that play a role as well as multiple different bacteria shift patterns.

Given that GI issues seem to be overrepresented in ASD populations, and that GI issues have been associated with a number behavioral and neurological deficits, dietary manipulation may offer a cheap and easily implemented approach to improve the lives of those with ASD.

Dietary Approaches to the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders. (2020)

“Vitamin B6 is beneficial for about half of autistic individuals in decreasing behavioral problems.” [2018] and for this we can identify the ones that are more likely to react. ‘Statistically significant variables for vitamin B6 responsiveness, including combination of hypersensitivity to sound and clumsiness, and plasma glutamine level, were included.’ [2018]

Neurological-Audio: hypersensitivity to noise has some a strong pattern for bacteria shifts as is shown here. It is likely that the vitamin B6 is altering several of these bacteria , hence the improvement (know to alter several hundred taxa).

 Despite a considerable interest in dietary interventions, no consensus exists regarding optimal nutritional therapy. Thus, patients and physicians are left to choose from a myriad of dietary protocols. This review, summarizes the state of the current clinical and experimental literature on nutritional interventions for ASD, including gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic, and specific carbohydrate diets, as well as probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary supplements (vitamins A, C, B6, and B12; magnesium and folate).

Nutritional interventions for autism spectrum disorder. (2019)

Dietary supplementation (including omega-3, vitamin supplementation, and/or other supplementation), omega-3 supplementation, and vitamin supplementation were more efficacious than the placebo at improving several symptoms, functions, and clinical domains.

Dietary Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis. 2019 (Full text)

• Omega-3 supplementation was more effective than placebo in treating the following symptoms and/or functions groups: language (general) and social-autistic
• Omega-3 supplementation was more effective than placebo in treating the following clinical domains: core symptoms and associated symptoms
• No details of which vitamins 🙁
  • Omega-3 LCPUFA(722mg) with and without vitamin D (2000 IU/day) may improve some core symptoms of ASD but no definitive conclusions can be made. [2019]
• Seventy-five percent of children with ASD consumed supplements with multivitamins (77.8%), vitamin D (44.9%), omega 3 (42.5%), probiotics (36.5%), and magnesium (28.1%) as the most prevalent. [2019]
•  Prebiotics only improved certain GI symptoms; however, when combined with an exclusion diet (gluten and casein free) showed a significant reduction in anti-sociability scores. [2019]
• The two available double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled probiotics trials found no significant difference in GI symptoms and behavior. [2019]
• Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. [2019] – Positive impact

The research put forward that in individuals with ASD, while gluten-free/casein-free and ketogenic diets, camel milk, curcumin, probiotics, and fermentable foods can play a role in alleviating ASD symptoms, consumption of sugar, additives, pesticides, genetically modified organisms, inorganic processed foods, and hard-to-digest starches may aggravate symptoms.

Current nutritional approaches in managing autism spectrum disorder: A review. [2019]

18 randomized controlled trials of five supplements were included. B6/Mg was not helpful for improving ASD symptoms (seven RCTs). Two RCTs of methyl B12 reported some improvement in ASD severity but the effects on the correction of deficiencies were inconclusive. Two RCTs of vitamin D₃ both reported increased levels of mean 25(OH)D in serum but inconsistent results in behavioral outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation did not affect ASD behaviors but may correct deficiencies (six RCTs). One RCT of folinic acid reported positive results in improving ASD symptoms measured by various behavioral scales.

Supplement intervention associated with nutritional deficiencies in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. [2018]

Bottom Line

Inconsistency of results would be consistent with microbiome variations. Working from the specific microbiome of a child or adult will likely have a higher success rate than randomly trying items that helps some subsets.

 Levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) synthesis in typically developing children are approximately twice those of adults; after the age of 5 years, levels decrease to those of adults. In contrast, levels of serotonin synthesis of children with ASD increase between ages 2 and 15 to 1.5-times adult values. The dopamine transporter is increased in the orbitofrontal cortex of men with ASD. The serotonin transporter is reduced in the brains of children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. Reduced serotonin receptors in the thalamus of adults with ASD are associated with communication difficulties. Glucose metabolism is reduced in the brains of people with ASD.

Molecular imaging of autism spectrum disorder. [2017]

“The results indicate that SERT binding capacity is disturbed in autism. The reduction is more evident in adolescence than in earlier childhood. The low SERT binding reported here and the low serotonin synthesis capacity shown elsewhere may indicate maturation of a lesser number of serotonergic nerve terminals in individuals with autism”

Serotonin and dopamine transporter binding in children with autism determined by SPECT. [2008]

This lead me to look at microbiome dysfunctions.

• Gut dysbiosis and serotonin: intestinal 5-HT as a ubiquitous membrane permeability regulator in host tissues, organs, and the brain. [2020]

The current study found that L. plantarum ATCC 8014 and inulin could reverse the cognitive impairment of the diabetic rats in the current work. Following the supplementation, improved antioxidant capacity was similarly observed in the hippocampus and PFC. In this respect, normalization of the gut microbiota after the intervention could increase the concentration of serotonin and BDNF and enhance the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway in the two brain regions.

The potential therapeutic effects of the gut microbiome manipulation by synbiotic containing-Lactobacillus plantarum on neuropsychological performance of diabetic rats. [2020]

“The gut microbiota is also critical in managing the bioavailable levels of tryptophan and consequently the synthesis of serotonin. Indeed, 95 % of all serotonin synthesis occurs in the GIT, which influences its availability in the brain” (O’Mahony et al., 2015). 

On Microbiome Prescription we have a list of bacteria known to produce serotonin,
http://microbiomeprescription.azurewebsites.net/Data/EndProductProducers?epId=2

Bottom Line

From the microbiome, we can estimate the amount of serotonin being produced by the gut bacteria. There are four genus involved. Two of these genus are available as probiotics: Symbioflor-2 (Several Escherichia Coli species); Mutaflor (Escherichia Coli Nissle 1917) and Symbioflor-1 (enterococcus faecalis). On the other ones, you can click on their name below to find out what increases or decreases them.

Reminder: This is an educational post reporting on the literature. It may suggest actions that should be discussed with your physician before implementing.

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

I am a high function ASD person in the late 60’s. I am a data scientist, artificial intelligence engineer, former high school science teacher etc. Needless to say, the term autism or ASD was unknown while I was growing up. The classic delay in speech (I did not start talking until I was almost 9 y.o.) and other characteristics were ascribed to some form of brain damage. Three causes were speculated: forceps delivery, German Measles at 18 months and the medication that my mother was give to keep from miscarrying (she had 6 miscarriages before me).

Today, I know that I was high risk because my father was 44 when I was born (Parental Age at Conception and the Relationship with Severity of Autism Symptoms. 2019). My childhood was not fun, because I understood enough about my situation that I was in terror for most of it. The terror caused me to work hard and I found success in a very non-social activity: mathematics and mathematics competitions. I placed in the top 3 repeatedly in both my Province and in Canadian Mathematics Competitions. That’s enough of my story.

Purpose of this Blog

Over the last few years I have became focused (the typical uber focus of an ASD person) on the microbiome to deal with family health issues. My primary focus has been on myalgic encephalomyelitis on which I have written some 1300 posts here. Out of that, I developed an analysis site using reference site and citizen science site called Microbiome Prescription. I have also became active in a Facebook group The Gut Club: Stool Test Discussion Group. This group had resulted in contact with many mothers with autistic children. Needless to say, I have both empathy for the mother and for the children (been there myself before there was support!).

This site is very open to guest posts. I do request that they be well researched with links to source studies. I hate to be ‘anti-social’ and ignoring chat-board opinions and consensus — but what do you expect from someone with ASD? 😉

As interesting notes comes across my desktop, I will explore and attempt to write up posts on what we know today.

I will start this blog by copying across some blog posts that I have done on Autism elsewhere.

Suggested watching and subscribing to: https://www.youtube.com/c/AutismResearchCoalition

A reader granted me permission to look at 12 microbiome reports on her daughter over two years. The source of the data is the same lab that I use, Thryve Inside. There are the blog posts below, followed by videos of me going over the same material.

• Technical Study on Autism Microbiome – comparing citizen science to published science. There is little agreement between published studies, but citizen science agrees with some published studies.
• Child Autism microbiome over time – Part 1 – Using the bacteria taxa identified above, we look at 11 samples over 2 years to see how these key taxa varied.
• Child Autism microbiome over time – Part 2 – We look at the predicted symptoms for each of these 11 samples and how certain bacteria cluster that are associated with autism
• End Products and Autism, etc – We look at citizen science identification of end product shifts associated with autism. Often the pattern is not too high Or too low BUT too high and too low — that is, out of balance
• Child Autism microbiome over time – Part 3 – we examine the end products over the two years and saw that Camel Milk with L.Reuteri made a significant change in the microbiome. A side effect was that Eubacteriaceae started to climb and kept climbing until it was very extreme. This bacteria produces formic acid which alters the pH of the gut and is hostile to many bacteria, including Bifidobacterium.