Using probiotics to help children with autism and stomach issues
Road to discovery for combination probiotic BB-12 with LGG in treating autism spectrum disorder
This study is looking at whether giving children with autism, ages 4 to 15, a mix of two probiotics can help ease their tummy troubles and possibly improve their behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10657357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of a combination of two specific probiotics, BB-12 and LGG, on children aged 4 to 15 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who experience gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and constipation. The study will involve administering different doses of the probiotics to see if they can alleviate these stomach problems and potentially improve associated behaviors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or one of the probiotic doses, and the outcomes will be monitored to assess any changes in both gastrointestinal health and autistic behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4 to 15 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who also suffer from gastrointestinal issues.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or those without gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, safe treatment option for managing gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism, potentially leading to improved overall behavior and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While probiotics have been studied for various health benefits, this specific combination and its effects on autism-related gastrointestinal symptoms is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhoads, Jon Marc — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Rhoads, Jon Marc
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.