Gastrointestinal Health
People who have symptoms related to ASD, ADHD and anxiety often have gastrointestinal issues as well. Food sensitivity, poor nutrient absorption, too little good gut bacteria, too much bad gut bacteria, and acid reflux can all play a part in the problem. Below is some of the current research regarding GI health.
Gut microbiome in ADHD and its relation to neural reward anticipation. E Aarts et al.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5581161/
This is the first study demonstrating differences in the gut microbiome between patients with ADHD and healthy individuals, using a comprehensive 16S microbiome analysis, and showing–if anything–an increase in the genus Bifidobacterium. This increase was associated with significantly enhanced predicted biosynthesis potential of a dopamine precursor in the gut microbiome of ADHD patients versus controls, which was linked to altered reward anticipation responses in the brain, a neural hallmark of ADHD. With this mechanistic approach, we hypothesize that presumed differences in dopamine precursor production at the gut microbiome level in ADHD might be related to dopamine disturbances at the neural level associated with reduced brain reward responses. This study highlights the importance of investigating the functional effects of microbiome differences in neuropsychiatric disorders.
A Randomized, Placebo - controlled Trial of Digestive Enzymes in Children with Autism Spectrum-Disorders Saad, Eltayeb et al
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540030/
DPP4 activity determines the amount of opioid peptides in body fluids but these levels reflect both DPP4 activity and intestinal permeability. Nevertheless, the amount of DPP4 enzymes is decreased in ASD patients, resulting in a higher amount of opioid peptides in the body.
The ASD group receiving digestive enzyme therapy for 3 months had significant improvement in emotional response, general impression autistic score, general behavior. and gastrointestinal symptoms. Our study demonstrated the usefulness of digestive enzyme in our population of ASD patients.
Impaired Carbohydrate digestion and transport of mucosal dysbiosis in the intestines of children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. Williams, Hornig et al https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3174969/
Whatever the underlying mechanisms, reduced capacity for digestion and transport of carbohydrates can have profound effects.
Deficient digestion and absorption of di- and monosaccharides in the small intestine may alter the balance of growth substrates, thus eliminating the growth advantages that Bacteroidetes enjoy in the healthy intestine and enabling competitive growth of bacterial phylotypes better suited for growth on undigested and unabsorbed carbohydrates.
Can probiotics benefit children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5155168/pdf/WJG-22-10093.pdf
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are among the populations that are most often referred to the Pediatric Gastroenterology clinic.
A number of recent studies have suggested that the GIS in ASD may be a manifestation of an underlying inflammatory process.
The internationally accepted definition of probiotics is “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the Host”.
Virtually all of the GI functions postulated to be impaired in ASD have been shown to be improved by probiotics in animal studies.
Gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism are common and are often linked to the children’s abnormal behavior and social interactions. Probiotics are hypothesized to positively impact gut microbial communities and alter the levels of specific potentially harmful metabolites in children with ASD.
Effectiveness of the gluten-free, casein-free diet for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Pennesi, Klein https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22564339
Overall, diet efficacy among children whose parents reported the presence of GI symptoms, food allergy diagnoses, and suspected food sensitivities included greater improvement in ASD behaviors, physiological symptoms, and social behaviors compared with children whose parents reported none of these symptoms, diagnoses, or sensitivities (P < 0.05).
Comparison of DPPIV enzymes from various microorganisms for treatment of casein and gluten intolerance in autism. Ustun, Gaye Ongen
As observed by researchers, a large percentage of autistic children have problems with the incomplete breakdown of gluten (wheat and wheat products) and casein (dairy and dairy products), resulting in the development of opiate peptides (casomorphins and gluteomorphins).
The role of probiotics in children with autism spectrum disorder: A prospective open label study. SY Shaaban et al.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28686541
We concluded that probiotics have beneficial effects on both behavioral and GI manifestations of ASD. Probiotics (a non-pharmacological and relatively risk-free option) could be recommended for children with ASD as an adjuvant therapy. At this stage, this study is a single center with a small number of patients and a great deal of additional wide-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to critically confirm the efficacy of probiotics in ASD.
Nova Rē’s Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics follow rigorous quality assurance standards including 3rd party testing of each batch in a GMP facility.
We will continue to add research so check back regularly.