ASD Cure: Fecal Transplants Key to Treatment for Autism, Researchers Say
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Autism is given to as a mental condition which could be present as early in a person’s childhood state. Whereabouts for its permanent cure are still unknown, yet a new study rises claim that improving gut microbiome through fecal transplants might be the key.
Medical News Today explained that gut microbiodata plays a massive role in our body’s immunity. Not only does it keep our body healthy but our body has tens of trillion of it. the research for ASD treatment was a joint investigation by the Arizona State University (ASU), Ohio State University, and the University of Minnesota.
Furthermore, the test included 18 patients with ASD which undergone a 10-week process of antibiotics, bowel cleansing, and of course, a fecal microbiota transplant. (FMT) After the 10 week process, another 8 weeks followed so that the research team could confer if the results were long lasting or not.
Nonetheless, The Sun noted that the study still needs further tests. It was also identified that the FMT done was known to be a procedure for removing a superbug known as C.difficile. The method done by the research team led promising results wherein 80 percent of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autism improved. 20 to 25 percent linked to autism behaviors were improved as well. Specifically, better social skills and sleeping habits were enhanced through the test.
Thus, Prof. James Adams who led the study stated that the results were very compelling. He further stated that “We completed a phase I trial demonstrating safety and efficacy, but recommending such treatment and bringing it to market requires phase II and phase III trials.” He then concluded that they look forward for further research with a “larger placebo-controlled trial” in the future.
Amid success rate of the ASD test, Prof. Krajmalnik-Brown still advises people to still consult their physicians since improper techniques could lead to severe gastrointestinal infection.