Could a probiotic ease autism gut troubles?

NCT ID NCT06568588

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Universidad San Francisco de Quito Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a probiotic called Saccharomyces boulardii can improve digestive health, immune function, nutrition, and behavior in children aged 5 to 12 with autism and a history of gut problems. Sixty-six children in Ecuador will take the probiotic for 4 months and then stop for 4 months, with researchers tracking changes through stool, blood, and urine samples, as well as behavior and intelligence tests. The goal is to see if this simple supplement can make a real difference in their daily lives.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Saccharomyces boulardii (a probiotic)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple probiotic supplement to ease digestive symptoms and possibly improve behavior in children with autism.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 2 trial with only 66 children, so results may not apply to everyone. The probiotic may not cause meaningful changes, and any benefits might be modest.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Neurodesarrollo Quito

Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador

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