The researchers at the University of Western Ontario released a report last week on studies done of rats who were injected with propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid, which in addition to existing in the gut, is commonly found in bread and dairy products.

The scientists observed repetitive behaviors, hyperactivity and impaired social behaviors in these rats. When the rats’ brains were examined, they showed signs of inflammation similar to those of autistic children.

This study, if it can lead to research in humans could lend credence to what many parents using biomedical interventions and DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctors already believe, that it is that gut-brain connection that is at the root of the “why” of autism. Whether it’s mercury or other environmental toxins that seem to be the triggers for a child to develop autism, the symbiotic relationships between a person’s gut, immune system and brain chemistry is the basis for the entire theory of biomedical interventions for neurological disorders.

The naysayers are quick to point out that the study was done on adult rats, by injecting them with propionic acid instead of letting them digest bread and dairy products. So there’s a bit of a reach as to whether or not this study proves the connection in humans.

And the naysayers may be right. Still, there is mounting research and anecdotal evidence that there is a connection between a person’s gut and brain chemistry (serotonin is made in the colon). So there’s reason to explore what happens if a person’s GI system is compromised due to weakened immune systems or overgrowth of certain types of yeast or bacteria. Many believe that neurological disorders, such as autism, have this root “cause”.

I know of several parents who have seen significant improvements in their child’s behaviors and ability to take in the world around them when gluten (breads) and casein (dairy) were removed from their diets.



Here’s the study’s abstract.

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