Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction:
The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS) in the gut. This system regulates GI functions and plays a role in emotional and cognitive processes. In individuals with ASD, dysfunction in this communication pathway may lead to both behavioural and gastrointestinal symptoms. This means ASD may hinder GI functions, and GI dysfunction may worsen aspects of ASD.
Summary from our own VFP Protocol insights:
Autism (ASD – autism spectrum disorder) can often be made worse by a lack of oxygen and or too much oxidised stress (from sugar and PUFA – polyunsaturated fatty acids from vegetable oils, margarins and sauces). It may also be made worse by low levels of glutathione, low levels of vitamin B1, and B12, A, E, D, zinc, selenium, magnesium, potassium, and low levels of omega 3 (especially docosahexaenoic acid – DHA). With ASD there is normally mitochondrial misfunction, which leads to a loss of oxygen and a lower production of energy (ATP). It is also common to find amino-acid deficiencies, and high homocysteine levels, leading to degenerative issues in the brain.
Natural solutions to support this imbalance are LiCron – including Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE / DMEA)
Vagus nerve signalling:
The vagus nerve is a key player in the gut-brain axis, transmitting signals between the gut and brain. In ASD, abnormal vagus nerve signalling might affect both gut motility (leading to constipation or diarrhoea) and brain function (influencing behaviours such as anxiety, repetitive behaviours, and social difficulties). Excessive time spent in the SNS (sympathetic nervous system / fight or flight) will lead to tissue mineral salt deficiences and microbiome dysbiosis/imbalance. Be Super provide practical solutions to increase time in the PNS (parasympathetic nervous system/calm and social).
Neurotransmitters:
The gut produces a large portion of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Dysregulated serotonin levels in individuals with ASD might contribute to both GI symptoms (such as altered gut motility) and mood-related symptoms like anxiety or irritability.
Gut Microbiome Differences in ASD:
One of the most extensively researched areas is the role of the gut microbiome—the collection of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract—in both GI health and behaviour. Studies have consistently shown that individuals with ASD have different microbiome compositions compared to neurotypical individuals, and these differences may be linked to both their GI symptoms and ASD-related behaviours.
Key Findings on the Gut Microbiome in ASD:
Lower microbial diversity:
Many studies have reported that children with ASD tend to have lower diversity in their gut bacteria, which is often associated with poorer gut health and an increased likelihood of GI disorders such as constipation and diarrhoea.
Imbalance in specific bacterial strains:
Several studies have found that children with ASD have higher levels of certain bacteria, such as Clostridium, Sutterella, and Desulfovibrio, and lower levels of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These imbalances, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to inflammation in the gut and alter the gut’s ability to function properly.
Altered production of microbial metabolites:
Gut bacteria produce metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which can influence brain function. For example:
Propionate:
Increased levels of propionate in children with ASD have been linked to altered behaviour, including hyperactivity and social withdrawal. Animal studies have shown that propionate can affect brain function and behaviour in ways that mimic ASD-like traits.
Butyrate:
Butyrate is important for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining and regulating inflammation. Reduced butyrate production may contribute to gut permeability (commonly called “leaky gut”) and chronic inflammation, which could exacerbate both GI and behavioural symptoms. When the cell walls become leaky, the micriobiome leak into the blood system and this can cause issues because they are supposed to be in specific parts of the gut (friendly flora can become unhealthy flora). This leads to stress and inflammation in the cells and it also leads to inflammation in the neurons in the brain – causing worsening of symptoms associated with ASD.
Before we consider optimal foods to support ASD – it is important to recognise the benefits of fasting on ASD and all other neurodivergent symptoms plus other more mental and emotional factors.
Scientific research suggest that fasting promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and enhances cellular stress adaptation in skeletal muscle. Fasting improves depression, increases neural regeneration and signalling and helps with alertness and memory loss. Fasting optimises autphagy and also optimises mitophagy – more details here.
Ghee is one of the best sources of energy to our friendly microbiomes and it also helps maintain the integrity of the cell walls (preventing leaky gut syndrome). Healthy microbiomes use fibre to produce goblet cells that use the ghee to make Tributyrate and then butyrate (studies show that this reduces neuroinflammation). This then produces a mucus shield that protects us from pathogens. Antibiotics deplete the goblet cells and the friendly bacteria, rendering the body more prone to infections. Friendly bacteria and butyrate also hold together the lining of the intestine and prevents IBS, leaky gut and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Immune Dysregulation and Inflammation:
Children with ASD often show signs of immune dysregulation, which could link both GI issues and behaviour through chronic inflammation. Immune cells in the gut interact with the microbiome and the nervous system, and immune dysfunction may play a role in both GI and neurodevelopmental symptoms in ASD.
Increased inflammatory markers:
Some studies have found elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune signalling molecules) in both the brain and the gut of individuals with ASD. Chronic inflammation in the gut could worsen GI symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Leaky gut syndrome:
The concept of “leaky gut” refers to increased intestinal permeability, where the gut lining becomes more permeable than normal, allowing harmful substances like toxins or undigested food particles to pass into the bloodstream. This can trigger immune responses and inflammation, which may affect brain function and behaviour.
Microglial activation:
Microglia are immune cells in the brain that respond to inflammation. Overactivation of microglia has been observed in individuals with ASD and may contribute to neuroinflammation, potentially influencing behaviours such as anxiety, social withdrawal, and repetitive actions.
Impact of GI Symptoms on Behaviour and Quality of Life:
Anxiety and irritability:
GI symptoms such as constipation or bloating can cause discomfort, leading to increased irritability, anxiety, and even sleep disturbances. Studies have shown that alleviating GI problems in children with ASD often leads to improvements in these behaviours.
Altered social behaviour:
Changes in the gut microbiome can influence the production of neuroactive compounds, which may affect social interactions. For instance, reduced production of certain beneficial SCFAs (like butyrate) can lead to increased inflammation, which might influence social and communication difficulties.
Repetitive behaviours:
Some research has suggested that certain gut bacteria, like Clostridium, may produce toxins that interfere with neurotransmitter balance in the brain, potentially contributing to repetitive behaviours or obsessions seen in ASD.
The following you tube video provides further insights –
How Behaviour Might Influence Gut Health:
Selective eating:
Many children with ASD exhibit selective eating behaviours, often favouring highly processed or carbohydrate-rich foods while avoiding fruits and vegetables. This restricted diet can affect the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to GI issues like constipation or malnutrition, which further impacts overall health.
Following a healthy lifestyle protocol such as VFP#1 LiCrON/ Regeneration is an effective solution.
These changes in gut flora can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, impairing gut barrier function and contributing to both GI and behavioural symptoms. Chronic gut inflammation: Inflammation in the gut can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating, which are more common in children with ASD compared to neurotypical peers. This inflammation may be related to increased intestinal permeability, gut dysbiosis, or immune activation, creating a vicious cycle that worsens both physical and behavioural symptoms.
Possible Link to Deficiency in Tissue Mineral Salts:
Deficiencies at the Macro and Micro levels
Any vitamins or drugs work at the macro level i.e. they work outside of the cells (extracellular); whereas tissue salts work on the micro level i.e. they work inside the cells (intracellular). If there is a deficiency on the macro level, one needs to add tissue salts and fill the deposit before the absorption of macro can happen.
The following tissue mineral salts are significant in treating ASD – links to further information is provided, rather than lengthy text.
Calcium Phosphate deficiency shown to be common is children with ASD.
https://impactfactor.org/PDF/IJPCR/14/IJPCR,Vol14,Issue3,Article70.pdf
Ferrum Phosphoricum
- Phosphate metabolism
Dysregulated phosphate metabolism can lead to phosphate toxicity, which can negatively impact the central nervous system. A study found that children with ASD may have lower serum calcium levels and hypophosphatemia, and recommended adequate dietary intake of calcium and phosphate.
- Iron status
Iron deficiency early in life can impair cognition, motor development, language development, and social orientation and engagement. Children with ASD are more likely to have poor iron status, which may be due to less efficient iron absorption and/or metabolism. Iron treatment can help, but it can cause side effects like constipation and gastrointestinal distress, and there is a risk of toxicity from overdose. Screening for iron stores may be considered for children with ASD who present with symptoms that may be affected by depleted iron stores, such as sleep and attention issues.
Potassium Phosphate:
Magnesium phosphate:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507249/
Too much Sodium Chloride
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31837704/
Sodium Phosphate
Silica – and detoxification improve ASD symptoms:
https://tacanow.org/family-resources/detoxification-and-autism/
There is growing interest in the role of mineral deficiencies in both ASD and gastrointestinal dysfunction, particularly in how they might influence immune regulation, gut health, and inflammation.
10 Main Mineral Deficiencies found in ASD:
https://www.brainstormhealth.co.uk/2023/04/10-nutrients-most-deficient-in-autism/
Zinc Deficiency:
Zinc plays a critical role in modulating the immune system and maintaining gut barrier function. A deficiency in zinc has been linked to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which can lead to inflammation. Children with ASD often have low levels of zinc, which may contribute to both GI issues and immune dysregulation. Zinc’s role in immune modulation: Zinc is essential for maintaining proper immune function, and a deficiency can lead to an overactive immune response, promoting the production of inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6). This overactivity can exacerbate systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, potentially worsening both ASD symptoms and GI discomfort.
Zinc deficiency and behaviour:
Some studies suggest that zinc supplementation in children with ASD may help reduce symptoms such as hyperactivity, irritability, and social withdrawal, possibly by reducing inflammation and improving gut health.
Magnesium Deficiency:
Magnesium is another crucial mineral for regulating the immune system and maintaining muscle and nerve function, including in the digestive tract. Magnesium deficiency is relatively common in children with ASD and can contribute to both GI problems and behavioural issues.
Impact on gut motility:
Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining smooth muscle function in the gut. A deficiency can lead to reduced gut motility, which may contribute to constipation, a common GI symptom in children with ASD.
Immune and inflammatory response: Magnesium deficiency has been linked to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to both chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. This could worsen both neuroinflammation and gut inflammation in individuals with ASD.
Calcium Deficiency:
Calcium is important for proper functioning of the nervous system, muscle contractions, and maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. Children with ASD are sometimes found to have low calcium levels, potentially related to restricted diets or absorption issues. Calcium’s role in gut permeability:
Calcium is necessary for the formation of tight junctions between gut cells, which help prevent unwanted substances from crossing the gut lining into the bloodstream. A deficiency in calcium could contribute to leaky gut syndrome, increasing inflammation and immune responses.
Behavioural link:
Calcium also plays a role in neurotransmitter function and has been associated with behavioural regulation. Its deficiency may contribute to both GI issues and increased anxiety or irritability in individuals with ASD.
Selenium Deficiency:
Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties that help regulate immune function and reduce inflammation. Children with ASD sometimes exhibit lower levels of selenium, which can impair the body’s ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation: Selenium is a key component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. In individuals with ASD, a selenium deficiency could exacerbate oxidative stress, contributing to both neuroinflammation and gut inflammation, worsening both ASD symptoms and GI issues.
Conclusion:
In summary, there is increasing evidence that the gut and brain are intricately linked in individuals with ASD, with gut microbiome imbalances, immune dysregulation, and dysfunction in the gut-brain axis playing a role in both GI health and ASD-related behaviours. Differences in gut bacteria, such as lower microbial diversity and imbalances in specific strains, can contribute to both gastrointestinal symptoms and behaviours characteristic of ASD. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to more targeted therapies, such as VFP#1 LiCrON/ Regeneration. This protocol is especially beneficial because it is supported by someone with practical experience of working within ASD special schools.
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