Gut health fix for autism anxiety? small study tests synbiotic

NCT ID NCT06126185

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a 12-week course of a synbiotic supplement (probiotics plus prebiotics) could help reduce anxiety in 30 children with autism spectrum disorder. The main goals were to see if the treatment was safe and tolerable, and to measure any changes in anxiety and sensory sensitivity. Because it was a small, open-label study without a placebo group, the results are preliminary and not conclusive.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: synbiotic (probiotics and prebiotics)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a gut-based approach to ease anxiety in children with autism.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study with no placebo group, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. Side effects are possible.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.