Study Links Gut Health to Brain and Behaviour in Children with Autism
New Delhi: A new study published in Nature Communications highlights a strong connection between digestive system imbalances and behavioural symptoms in children with autism, pointing to the critical role of the gut-brain axis in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) have shown that gut-derived metabolites can influence brain activity, which in turn impacts behavioural traits seen in autism. Led by Professor Lisa Aziz-Zadeh of the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC Dornsife College, the research builds upon earlier findings that linked gut microbiota and brain differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“While past studies have observed that children with autism have distinct gut microbiomes and unique brain activity patterns, our research provides a clearer picture of how these systems interact,” said Prof. Aziz-Zadeh.
The study involved 84 children aged 8 to 17—43 diagnosed with autism and 41 neurotypical controls. The team collected and analysed stool samples, brain imaging data, and behavioural assessments. The stool samples were examined for gut metabolites—compounds produced when gut bacteria digest food. Special focus was given to the tryptophan metabolic pathway, as tryptophan is a dietary amino acid that gets converted into key metabolites, including serotonin.
Serotonin is essential for various brain functions, including mood regulation, social communication, and cognitive processing. Notably, a majority of serotonin is produced in the gut, suggesting that gastrointestinal health can significantly influence brain chemistry.
Children with autism often experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and abdominal pain. These issues, alongside altered gut metabolite profiles, could disrupt serotonin production and, subsequently, affect neural circuits involved in behaviour and emotion.
The USC study revealed specific links between certain gut metabolites, brain activity patterns, and behaviours associated with autism, including social challenges and repetitive actions.
The findings pave the way for potential therapeutic strategies that target the gut microbiome to alleviate behavioural symptoms in children with autism. “Understanding this gut-brain-behaviour connection opens new doors for future interventions,” Aziz-Zadeh noted.
Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.