Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 and Other Probiotics in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Real-World Experience

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Recent data suggest that probiotics can reduce some symptoms of this disorder and Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 has been reported to be especially useful. We recruited a sample of 131 autistic children and adolescents (M:F = 122:19; age: 86.1 ± 41.1 months) and evaluated their changes after use of probiotics by mean of CGI. We found some significant improvements with very few side effects; these positive effects were more evident in younger children. Patients taking Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 had greater improvements and fewer side effects than those taking other probiotics. Our real-life data are consistent with existing literature showing a specific effect of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 on Depressive Symptoms and Sleep Quality in Self-Reported Insomniacs: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial

“…PS128 as a psychobiotic has shown some beneficial effects on mental disorders, such as the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The probiotic product has been reported to ameliorate anxiety, hyperactivity, impulse, and opposition/defiance behaviors [ 47 ], and has more positive effects in children than adolescents with ASD [ 48 ]. Combined with oxytocin treatment, PS128 increases ASD patients’ favorable gut microbiome network hubs [ 49 ].…”

Interventions on Microbiota: Where Do We Stand on a Gut–Brain Link in Autism? A Systematic Review

“…The majority of the studies (n 9) [ 11 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ] deal with the use of probiotics in subjects with ASD, the other ones treat the use of prebiotics (4 studies) [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ], and mixed probiotics–prebiotics therapy (3 studies) [ 37 , 38 , 39 ] in ASD, and only three [ 19 , 20 , 21 ] are about FMT. Studies were conducted in seven different countries: England ( n = 2), U.S. ( n = 6), Poland ( n =1), Italy, ( n = 2), China ( n = 6), Egypt ( n = 1), Japan ( n = 1).…”

“…The subjects examined are predominantly males (603 males and 89 females with ASD; in two studies [ 27 , 30 ] the sex of participants are missing); all are children and adolescents between 1 and 17 years old with ASD described in studies published mainly in the last ten years. The sample sizes are relatively small, globally ranging from 11 to 85 subjects with a maximum of 131 subjects; in more than two-thirds of the studies, the reasons for the dropout/refusal to participate and any side effects of the treatment are clearly reported [ 11 , 19 , 21 , 25 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 39 ].…”

“…Most studies (16 out of 19) [ 11 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 ] reported GI symptoms as medical comorbidity associated with ASD. No study discusses the dietary habits or food intakes of enrolled subjects before or after the intervention (micronutrients and macronutrients in [ 33 ]), as well as interference/interaction with possible concomitant drug treatment, even if in two studies these data are collected [ 31 , 32 ] and in another two studies medications were excluded for at least one month [ 35 ], and antibiotics/probiotics in the last week [ 21 ] before the sampling period.…”

Understanding autism spectrum disorders with animal models: applications, insights, and perspectives

“…Indeed, in rodent models of ASD, application of Bacteroides fragilis can reduce intestinal permeability and change intestinal microbiota composition, resulting in improved ASD-like behaviors ( Hsiao et al, 2013 ). In a recent study of 131 autistic children and adolescents (male:female=122:19; age: 86.1±41.1 months), probiotics were shown to ameliorate several symptoms of ASD ( Mensi et al, 2021 ), suggesting that probiotics can standardize intestinal microbiota, enhance the intestinal barrier in animal models or ASD patients, and alleviate ASD-like behaviors. However, whether probiotics play a positive role in humans remains controversial, and more clinical evidence is needed.…”