Autism

Autism

In people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the brain processes information differently. ASD is associated with a range of abnormalities characterized by impairment of social and communicative skills combined with restrictive-repetitive behaviour. Among sufferers from ASD, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common: 70% of the patients experience constipation, diarrhea, and GI pain. There is accumulating evidence that the gut microbiome plays an important role in this matter. For this reason, targeting the gut microbiota has been suggested as a potential clinical approach.  

News

Winclove is finalizing a probiotic formula for people with autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological- and developmental disorder that affects how people interact, communicate, learn, and behave. There is accumulating evidence that the gut microbiome plays an important role in this.

Collaboration with the Karolinska Institute

As Winclove Probiotics drives innovation through sustainable partnerships, we sought collaboration in 2019 with Rochellys Diaz Heijtz, associate professor and group leader at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. She and her group helped us to unravel how probiotics might influence behavioral and gut problems associated with ASD. Furthermore, she performed research on the effect of specific probiotic strains on neurodevelopmental outcomes relevant to ASD.

Probiotic formula for children with ASD

Based on these results and on insights from literature, Winclove’s strain development team has performed different relevant screenings with our strains. The results have been used to select a combination of the most appropriate strains, aiming to influence the gut-brain axis of people with ASD. The team is now fine-tuning this probiotic formula to ensure that it meets all the quality standards of a premium probiotic.
Over the past year and a half, we have spoken with many stakeholders – from scientists, doctors, and therapists to parents. This information has helped us to create a well-designed clinical study.

Collaboration with Prof. Hania Szajewska for the clinical study

The world renowned pediatrician Prof. Hania Szajewska of the University of Warsaw is excited about conducting a clinical study in collaboration with Winclove Probiotics. Prof. Szajewska, with whom we have previously worked successfully, intends to start the clinical study in children with ASD shortly after the summer. The benefits of the product will be investigated in children between the ages of four and ten who are being treated at the Department of Psychiatry. We are looking forward to the insights on how probiotics can improve the quality of life of children with ASD and their parents.