Study Claims Microbiome Not a Causal Factor in Autism Spectrum Disorder

November 22, 2021

Research Suggests that Picky Eating Causes Differences in Gut Bacteria

A bold new Australian study asserts that gut health “is no way a cause of why the brain develops differently” in individuals with autism. The researchers involved in this effort claim that previous studies linking microbiome contents to autism have been underpowered and not designed to address potential confounding factors. This study utilized a large autism  metagenomics study which compared microbial DNA stool samples of 99 children with autism to two groups of neurotypical children: 51 of their siblings and 97 unrelated children. After running those comparisons, they found no evidence of a relationship between autism and the measures of the microbiome as a whole or with microbiome diversity. According to the team’s findings, the only bacteria associated with autism was romboutsia timonensis. The research team suggests that any observed microbiome differences are caused by the picky eating habits of children with autism. The team additionally maintains that gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can be traced back to a less diverse microbiome caused by selective eaters. Furthermore, the study suggests that microbiome interventions for autism, such as fecal microbiota transplants, should be viewed with caution. The researchers believe these treatments are unlikely to be effective and could do more harm than good. The study concludes by calling attention to the importance of a well balanced diet for children on the spectrum and warns families about resorting to fad “therapies” which may aggravate their already fragile condition. 

Original Article 

Original Study

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