Postbiotic supplement and gut health in children with autism spectrum disorder
Tests a postbiotic supplement on gut symptoms and behavior in children with autism.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Role of the Gut Vascular Barrier and Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Key facts
- Where
- Milan, ItalySee the 2 sites
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 3 and 8 years old?
Source: NCT07450443, who can take part
Where in Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilan, ItalyTaking people
- IRCCS Humanitas Reasearch Hospital (ICH) Laboratory of Microbiota and Mucosal ImmunologyMilan, ItalyTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
- Trial code
- NCT07450443
- Record updated
- 4 March 2026
- Original description
Recent research links gut microbiota alterations to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a neurobiological condition with multifactorial bases. In some ASD patients, altered gut flora and increased intestinal permeability are observed, influencing the central nervous system's development and function. Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are commonly associated with ASD and correlate with its severity. This non-pharmacological interventional clinical study aims to investigate the role of gut microbiota on ASD and the effectiveness of postbiotic-based dietary supplements in children aged 3-8 years old. Gastrointestinal symptoms, behavioral profile and analysis of intestinal metagenomic and metabolomic profiles will be assessed before and after one-month treatment. The results of the study could enhance understanding of non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches in ASD and improve clinical management strategies and the behavioural functioning for children with ASD.Read full original descriptionShow less
Role of the Gut Vascular Barrier and Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evaluation of Efficacy of Postbiotic-based Nutraceutical Treatment
Recent research links gut microbiota alterations to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a neurobiological condition with multifactorial bases. In some ASD patients, altered gut flora and increased intestinal permeability are observed, influencing the central nervous system's development and function. Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are commonly associated with ASD and correlate with its severity. This non-pharmacological interventional clinical study aims to investigate the role of gut microbiota on ASD and the effectiveness of postbiotic-based dietary supplements in children aged 3-8 years old. Gastrointestinal symptoms, behavioral profile and analysis of intestinal metagenomic and metabolomic profiles will be assessed before and after one-month treatment. The results of the study could enhance understanding of non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches in ASD and improve clinical management strategies and the behavioural functioning for children with ASD.
Inclusion: Group 1 and 2:; Diagnosis of ASD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria; Clinical neurological evaluation by child neurologist and neuropsychologist with administration of standardized instruments such as Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and/or Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) to support diagnosis; Assessment of psychomotor or intellectual development (Griffiths Scales, Wechsler Scales, Leiter Scale); Assessment of the following symptoms in the past three months: constipation, diarrhea, abnormal stool consistency, abnormal stool smell, flatulence, abdominal pain, unexplained daytime irritability, and nighttime awakening, and abdominal tenderness. The degree of gastrointestinal disturbances will be quantified before recruitment using an Italian version of the GI Severity Index. A score of at least 2 in a single item of gastrointestinal symptoms (item 1-6) was required for entry into the symptomatic group; Signed informed consent for analysis of intestinal microbiota and metabolome and administration of nutraceutical therapy with PostbiotiX Comfort ®; Group 3 Inclusion criteria; Males or females aged between 3 and 8 years whit typical development and absence of gastrointestinal symtomps; Signed informed consent for analysis of intestinal microbiota and metabolome.
Exclusion: Subjects with significant health problems requiring surgical treatment or continuous medical; treatment; Use of medications that may affect biomarkers assessed, for example: antibiotics and/or pre-, probiotics within 1 month prior to enrollment; Group 3 exclusion criteria; Children with syndromic ASD or defined genetic diseases; Group 1 and 2; Exclusion Criteria; Severe gastrointestinal problems requiring immediate (life-threatening) treatment; Severely underweight/malnourished children; Participants with gastrointestinal problems requiring immediate (life-threatening) treatment, or with gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic irregular bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea), encopresis, recurrent abdominal bloating and pain, gastroesophageal reflux and vomiting, or food aversion.