Angelo DePalma

The connection between the gut microbiome and behavioral health has been the subject of intense investigation. But even when the link appears indisputable, associating the microbiome’s thousands of bacterial, yeast, fungal and virus species to specific symptoms or diseases may be challenging.

Now, results from a study reported in Nature Neuroscience in June support the connection between the microbiome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and provide clues about the microbes involved.

These data may eventually lead to “natural interventions” that promote a healthy microbiome and, it is hoped, relieve some of the burden of ASD on those affected, according to the study authors.

Image: Annie Spratt @ Unsplash