Can supplementation with a prebiotic modify the gut microbiome and behaviours related to anxiety in children with Autism

Participants Required

Children aged 4 and 10 years with a clinical diagnosis of autism who have NOT taken antibotics or have begun taking a probiotic (regular or supplement form) in the past three months.

Description of Project

Children will be asked to take 2.4g (1/2 tsp) of either the prebiotic powder galactooligosaccharides (GOS), or the placebo maltodextrin for a period of 6 weeks. These products have a slight sweet taste as they are derivatives of carbohydrates. They can be mixed in food or drink with very little change if any to flavour and odour, and no change to texture. 

We are aware that children with ASD often have a very acute sense of smell and taste and a sample is available before enrolment if necessary, to ensure that your child accepts to take the supplement.

We aim to reduce general levels of stress by modifying the gut bacteria which in turn may lead to improvements in response to behavioural therapies and learning. We will measure changes to the gut bacteria, changes to the stress hormone – cortisol, and changes in a variety of behaviours associated with ASD. None of the measurements will be obtained by invasive methods. We ask you to collect stool and saliva samples on day 1 and day 42 in order to measure changes linked to the prebiotic. Training will be provided but the method chosen is quick, easy and hygienic. We also ask that parents complete a series of questionnaires which will help detect behaviour change.

Animal models have shown reduced anxiety, improved mood, and reduction of repetitive or aggressive behaviours after treatment with the Prebiotic GOS, although we can’t promise these results. Supplementation with the prebiotic GOS has potential as a very simple treatment strategy to complement / enhance other behavioural therapies.

Benefits to Participants

Each participant will receive dietary behavioural therapy of up to 2 hours with a paediatric dietitian specialised in working with children with ASD. She will use the SOS approach to feeding.

Prebiotics are classed as functional foods and therefore will be freely available to the participant / family after the study if they wish to try. They are completely safe.

Contact Details

Jacqui Palmer
E. j.palmer@hdr.qut.edu.au
M. 0470 317 447