Autism and The Gut Microbiota

The national debate on autism is vigorous. Why are we now seeing so much of this entity? Are we just looking harder for the diagnosis? I don’t think so. Parents are up in arms. Pediatricians are tuned in more than ever. The media covers the story extensively. Here are the theories on the suspected causes:

• Vaccines
• Genetics
• Environmental Factors
• Diet

There may be one more to consider:

• The Gut Bacteria, or the Microbiota

We in gastroenterology have seen an explosion of interest and research in the bacteria in the gut and how they relate to health and disease. A recent research study reports a possible connection between autism and bad gut bacteria. See Autism and the Gut Bacteria or Microbiota for the complete article.