Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects each child differently, making the journey for parents both unique and challenging as they search for ways to support their child’s communication, behaviour, and social interactions.
Lately, more parents are turning to alternative methods alongside traditional therapies like behavioural support and educational programs, with one area gaining increasing attention: the gut brain connection and the impact that probiotics have on their autistic children.
Many autistic children struggle with gut issues like constipation or tummy pain, and it’s tough to see them uncomfortable. That’s where probiotics come in. Researchers are starting to explore how improving gut health might also have a positive impact on mood, behaviour, and even cognitive development.
Bened Life products are the culmination of more than a decade of microbiome research and 18 clinical trials/studies that prove PS128’s efficacy and the ability to act on the gut-brain axis to improve mental health and neurodevelopment.
How Probiotics Can Improve Wellbeing for Autistic Children
The Gut Brain Connection
Our gut microbiome is very important to our digestive system. It helps us digest food, make vitamins, support our immune system, and fight off harmful bacteria. But did you know it also plays a big role in keeping our brain and nervous system healthy? This happens through something called the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA), which is like a two-way street for communication between our gut and brain. Probiotic supplements, like Neuralli™ MP, can be a practical way to support this balance and may be beneficial for autistic children.
The GBA helps our gut and brain influence each other. Our gut has more nerves than any other organ besides the brain, making it a hot topic in research about mental health, and especially for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This connection is crucial because our gut produces a lot of necessary chemicals called neurotransmitters. In fact, it makes about 90% of our serotonin and 50% of our dopamine—two key players in mood and mental health. So, it’s clear that keeping both our gut and brain healthy is vital for our overall wellbeing.
The Gut Brain Connection and Autism
Research into the gut microbiome is looking at how it might help with neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies have found that autistic people tend to have less diversity in their gut microbiome, which suggests that probiotics and dietary changes could be beneficial.
Our happy hormones – serotonin and dopamine – are also crucial in those with autism. Research has shown that ASD individuals often have higher levels of serotonin in their blood than those who are not autistic. High levels of serotonin in the blood have been linked to the repetitive behaviours which are present in autism.
What is interesting about serotonin, however, is that the brain makes its own serotonin, and the levels of serotonin in the brain are demonstrated to be lower in autistic people than in non-autistic people. Interestingly, low serotonin levels in the brain are linked to symptoms like anxiety, depression, and social difficulties, as well as common gut issues associated with ASD. By focusing on gut health and neurotransmitter production, we might improve the overall well-being of autistic people.
Exploring the Benefits of Psychobiotics for Autistic Children
Lactobacillus plantarum PS128, or “PS128″ is a special type of probiotic known as a psychobiotic, which can positively affect mental health and brain function.  Clinical studies suggest it can provide nutritional via the gut-brain axis to improve wellbeing in autism. PS128 increases serotonin levels in the gut, which also helps boost serotonin in the brain, supporting the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) connection.
Research Findings on PS128
Many studies have shown that PS128 is a safe and effective probiotic for autistic children. Choosing the right probiotic can be confusing since there are many types available, however, research indicates that PS128 can help improve social interaction, emotional regulation, and communication skills in autistic children, highlighting its potential as a beneficial treatment option.
CLINICAL TRIAL 1: Positive Changes After 4 Weeks
In a study involving autistic children aged 7-15, participants took either PS128 or a placebo for four weeks. This double-blind trial ensured neither the researchers nor the participants knew who received which treatment.
Results showed that those taking PS128 experienced improvements in social awareness and communication, together with a reduction in hyperactivity, impulsivity, and defiant behaviour.
CLINICAL TRIALÂ 2: PS128 vs. Other Probiotics
Another study compared PS128 with a different probiotic over six months. Remarkably, 87% of the children taking PS128 showed improvements in their symptoms, such as better communication and reduced repetitive behaviours. This emphasises the importance of selecting specific probiotic strains for supporting the GBA, as those on PS128 had significantly better outcomes compared to the other group.
CLINICAL TRIAL 3: Benefits for Younger Children
A further study focussed on younger autistic children aged 2-7 years. After two months of daily PS128 consumption, improvements were noted in reducing anxiety, depression, social, behavioural and emotional issues in autistic children compared to the placebo group. These findings consistently demonstrate that PS128 can enhance the well-being of autistic children through the gut-brain connection.
Why Neuralli™ MP improves wellbeing
Bened Life’s key product, Neuralli™ MP contains 60 billion CFU of the PS128 probiotic per daily serving and is the first gut-brain medical probiotic designed to support neurological conditions like ASD, Parkinson’s, anxiety, ADHD and depression (with a Doctor’s recommendation).
This unique probiotic, backed by extensive research and clinical trials, has been shown to improve well-being, enhance outcomes, and reduce the severity of symptoms in these conditions. It has been studied in over 18 clinical trials, including studies for autistic children in the US, in collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Balance your “happy hormones” and support neurological health with Neuralli™ MP. Containing the PS128 probiotic, Neuralli™ MP is specially formulated to meet the unique dietary needs of individuals with neurological conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Neuralli™ MP helps promote overall well-being through the gut-brain connection.
Explore the Benefits of Neuralli™ MP
Autism is complex, and every child’s needs are unique. If you’re considering probiotics for your child, consult a healthcare professional to find the best option. Neuralli™ MP could be a great choice, as it contains the powerful PS128 probiotic and is focussed on the gut-brain connection.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns or if you are considering trying Neuralli™ MP.
