Researchers have discovered that certain “good” gut bacteria may help reduce the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The findings highlight how the gut microbiome and epigenetic changes work together during early brain development.
Study Explores the Gut-Brain Connection
The study, conducted by researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, examined how microbes in the gut interact with epigenetic “switches” that control gene activity. Scientists analyzed umbilical cord blood samples and tracked the gut microbiome development of infants during their first year of life. Later, they assessed the children for signs of ASD and ADHD at the age of three.
The researchers found that babies with specific epigenetic patterns were more likely to develop neurodevelopmental conditions. However, some beneficial gut bacteria appeared to lower that risk.
Certain Bacteria Show Protective Effects
Importantly, the study identified microbes such as Lachnospira pectinoschiza and Parabacteroides distasonis as potentially protective. Children who developed these bacteria during infancy showed fewer signs associated with autism and ADHD, even when they carried epigenetic risk markers.
As per Scitechdaily, researchers believe these findings could eventually lead to safe early-life interventions, including probiotics and microbiome-based therapies.
Early-Life Factors Also Influence the Microbiome
Additionally, the study revealed that factors such as delivery method, antibiotic exposure, breastfeeding, maternal allergies, and the presence of older siblings influenced the development of the infant gut microbiome. Babies born through cesarean delivery showed different DNA methylation patterns linked to immune and brain development.
Researchers also observed that infants with higher DNA methylation levels in immune-related genes tended to have less diverse gut microbiomes by 12 months of age.
Scientists Urge Caution Despite Promising Findings
Although the findings are promising, scientists emphasized that autism and ADHD are highly complex conditions influenced by genetics, environment, and multiple biological factors. Therefore, researchers caution against drawing direct conclusions about causation.
Previous studies have also linked gut microbiome differences to autism and ADHD, but experts say more clinical research is necessary before doctors can recommend targeted treatments.
Future Research Could Lead to New Therapies
Moving forward, researchers plan to continue tracking the children involved in the study to better understand how early-life microbiome development affects long-term brain health. Scientists hope future studies will help develop non-invasive therapies that support healthy neurodevelopment through diet, probiotics, or microbiome-based treatments.