Bacterial and Yeast Toxins Extremely Elevated in Most Children with Autism

Background: Previously we knew that a few toxic gut metabolites are higher in some children with autism. One example, p-cresol sulfate, is significantly higher in about 25% of children with autism compared to typical children, confirmed in 17 of 17 studies in 8 different countries. P-cresol adversely affects the gut, brain, mitochondria, kidneys, liver, and immune system. P-cresol causes autism symptoms when administered to mice, and microbiota transplant recovers the mice to normal functioning. Similarly, 3 studies have found that higher levels of p-cresol correlate with worse autism-related symptoms. New Discovery: We have now discovered many other metabolites from gut bacteria and yeast that are significantly elevated in children with autism. There is a wide variation among different ASD children, with different children having different toxins, but most children have about 7 microbial metabolites at extremely elevated levels (above all typical children in our study). These metabolites can serotonin or dopamine neurotransmitters, and thus can have a major effect on cognition, attention, mood, behavior, and sleep. Testing: We will discuss the new urine test for gut dysbiosis that we have developed in collaboration with Analutos and which is now available worldwide at analutos.com. Treatment: Our treatment study with Microbiota Transplant Therapy was able to greatly reduce the levels of p-cresol sulfate down to normal levels, along with major improvements in autism and GI symptoms.