Can a gut microbe ease Autism's social struggles?
NCT ID NCT05307744
First seen Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a daily probiotic supplement called Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 can improve social and behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. School-aged children (7-12 years) will receive either the probiotic or a placebo for a period, and researchers will measure changes in social responsiveness and repetitive behaviors. The study explores the idea that balancing gut bacteria might influence brain function and behavior.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lactobacillus plantarum PS128, a probiotic supplement
- What this could lead to
- If effective, PS128 could offer a natural, gut-based approach to help ease social and behavioral challenges in children with autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and results may not apply broadly. Probiotics can cause mild digestive upset, and the benefit over placebo is unproven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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41 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2022
- Finished
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Apr 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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7 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * (1) Age 7 to 12 years old. * (2) PS128 group and placebo group: Children with autism spectrum disorder, confirmed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. * (3) Normal control group: Children without autism spectrum disorder. Exclusion Criteria: * (1) Receiving antibiotics within one month. * (2) Probiotics used in powder, capsule, or tablet in two weeks (except for Yogurt, Yogurt, Yakult and other related foods). * (3) Patients with hepatobiliary gastrointestinal tract who have undergone surgery (except for hernia surgery and appendectomy) * (4) Those with special diets (gluten-free, casein-free, high-protein, and ketogenic diet). * (5) Those with a history of cancer. * (6) Those who are allergic to lactic acid bacteria. * (7) Not eligible judged by PI
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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