Actively Recruiting

Phase 2
Phase 3
Age: 3Years - 8Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID07450443

Role of the Gut Vascular Barrier and Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evaluation of Postbiotic-based Nutraceutical Treatment

Led by Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta · Updated on 2026-03-04

90

Participants Needed

2

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

Sponsors

F

Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta

Lead Sponsor

I

Istituto Clinico Humanitas

Collaborating Sponsor

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the role of gut microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the potential benefits of postbiotic-based dietary supplements in children aged 3 to 8 years. ASD is a neurobiological condition with complex causes, often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms that may influence the severity of behavioral symptoms. This study aims to explore non-drug treatments to improve gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD, enhancing clinical management strategies. The study involves three groups of children aged 3 to 8 years: those with ASD and gastrointestinal symptoms, those with ASD without gastrointestinal symptoms, and typically developing children without gastrointestinal issues. Participants in the first two groups will receive a postbiotic dietary supplement called PostbiotiX Comfort® for one month, while the third group will not receive any treatment. PostbiotiX Comfort® contains molecules from Lactobacillus paracasei fermentation that may support intestinal health and barrier integrity without live bacteria risks. Participants will provide stool samples for analysis of their gut bacteria, intestinal permeability, and metabolomic profiles before and after treatment. Researchers will evaluate changes in gastrointestinal symptoms, behavioral regulation, sleep, sensory profile, and the relationship between gut profiles and clinical outcomes over a 24-month period. The study includes assessments by neurologists and neuropsychologists, and all participants will be monitored for safety and treatment effects throughout the study.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Role of the Gut Vascular Barrier and Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Who Can Participate

Age: 3Years - 8Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Children aged 3 to 8 years
  • Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to DSM-5 criteria for Groups 1 and 2
  • Clinical neurological and neuropsychological evaluation supporting ASD diagnosis
  • Assessment of psychomotor or intellectual development
  • For Group 1: presence of gastrointestinal symptoms with a score of at least 2 on GI Severity Index items 1-6
  • Signed informed consent for microbiota analysis and PostbiotiX Comfort® treatment (Groups 1 and 2)
  • Typically developing children aged 3 to 8 years without gastrointestinal symptoms for Group 3
  • Signed informed consent for microbiota analysis (Group 3)
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Syndromic ASD or defined genetic diseases (Groups 1 and 2)
  • Significant health problems needing surgery or continuous medical treatment (Groups 1 and 2)
  • Severe gastrointestinal problems requiring immediate life-threatening treatment (Groups 1, 2, and 3)
  • Severely underweight or malnourished children (Groups 1 and 2)
  • Use of antibiotics, probiotics, or prebiotics within 1 month prior to enrollment (Groups 1 and 2)
  • Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic irregular bowel movements, encopresis, recurrent bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting, or food aversion in Group 3

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

Treatment

Duration - 1 month

Participants receive a postbiotic dietary supplement called PostbiotiX Comfort® for 1 month to evaluate its effects on gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms.

Trial Site Locations

Total: 2 locations

1

Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta

Milan, MI, Italy, 20133

Actively Recruiting

2

IRCCS Humanitas Reasearch Hospital (ICH) Laboratory of Microbiota and Mucosal Immunology

Milan, Italy

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

S

Stefano D'Arrigo, MD

S

Sara Bulgheroni

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

3

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