Probiotics Prevent ADHD & Autism

Recently, research has been offering up the suggestion that microflora in the gut may actually have a big impact on the nervous system. How important could this discovery be? Researchs decided to ask that question by looking at the relationship between probiotics and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger’s Syndrome. Asperger’s Syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder on the autism spectrum which affects socializing and communicating with others, as well as imagination. . . . 

This remarkable double-blind, placebo-controlled study gave either 10 billion colony forming units of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or a placebo to seventy-five pregnant women, begining four weeks before their due dates and then continued giving the probiotics to the infants, or to the mothers if they were breast feeding, for six months. The children were then followed for thirteen years.

What they discovered was astonishing. 17.1% of the children in the placebo group developed ADHD or Asperger’s. Not one child in the probiotic group did. The difference in the two groups was significant.

This research suggests an important reason why pregnant women and infants should supplement a high quality probiotic.

For lots more information on ADHD and autism, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia (http://www.thenaturalpathnewsletter.com/books-by-linda-and-ted.html).

Pediatr Res 2015 Mar 11:doi:10.1038/pr2015.51