Naturally Immune For Life

Gut Health and Autism

Over half of all children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The severity of these symptoms has been linked to imbalances in gut bacteria, known as microbial dysbiosis. This study aimed to determine if a probiotic (Bifidobacterium infantis) combined with a bovine colostrum product (BCP) could be tolerated by children with ASD and GI issues, and whether it would influence gut health, microbiota balance, and immune markers. This pilot trial was randomized, double-blind, and controlled. Eight children aged 2–11 with both ASD and GI symptoms participated. The study followed a crossover design: participants received five weeks of combination treatment (BCP + B. infantis), a two-week break, and five weeks of BCP alone. Tolerability was assessed using behavior and GI function questionnaires, and biological samples were used to study microbiome and immune changes. The results showed the treatment was well-tolerated, with mild gassiness as the most common side effect. Some children showed improvement in both GI symptoms and behavior. These changes may relate to a reduction in immune markers like IL-13 and TNF-α. While more research is needed, this study supports further investigation into the potential of this supplement combination.

The Gut–Brain Connection in Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. In addition to core behavioral symptoms, many children with ASD struggle with gastrointestinal issues, such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. In fact, more than 50% of children on the autism spectrum are affected by these problems—at rates far higher than in children without ASD.

Research suggests that these GI issues may be linked to gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the microbes living in the digestive tract. Although no single microbial pattern defines dysbiosis in ASD, studies have shown that children on the spectrum often have fewer beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia, and more potentially harmful types, such as Clostridia. Some also show an altered ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and increased levels of Proteobacteria, a group linked to inflammation.

These imbalances are not only associated with GI distress but also with mood and behavior. Children with more severe dysbiosis tend to show greater anxiety, irritability, and social withdrawal. The severity of microbial disruption has been directly correlated with both GI symptoms and autism symptom intensity in several studies.

Immune Involvement in GI Symptoms

Beyond the microbial changes, many children with ASD and GI symptoms also show signs of gut immune dysfunction. Their immune systems may overreact to harmless food particles and proteins triggering chronic inflammation and weakening the protective barrier of the gut lining. This immune activity is often marked by increased pro-inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6, and reduced regulatory cytokines like IL-10.

Physical changes in the gut have also been observed, including lymphoid hyperplasia (enlarged immune tissues) and increased T-cell activity in the intestinal lining. These findings suggest that the immune systems of some children with ASD may be in a state of chronic imbalance, which could further aggravate both digestive and behavioral symptoms.

The Role of Diet, Breastfeeding, and Beneficial Bacteria

Diet plays a critical role in shaping the gut microbiota, and children with ASD often face challenges in this area. Many eat limited diets and consume less than half the recommended daily fiber intake. In addition, fewer are breastfed for the full recommended duration, and some miss early exposure to colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced after childbirth.

Colostrum and breast milk contain oligosaccharides—complex sugars that nourish specific beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis). This strain is especially important in early life and has been shown to strengthen the gut lining, lower inflammation, and block harmful microbes from growing.

Bovine colostrum, the first milk from cows, shares many of these beneficial components. It contains smaller amounts of oligosaccharides, as well as immune-active proteins like lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and cytokines. These substances resist digestion, remain active in the gut, and help modulate both the microbiota and the immune system. Some of these immune proteins are heavily glycosylated, meaning they have sugar chains that can serve as prebiotic fuel for good bacteria.

A Synergistic Approach: Probiotic + Colostrum

The idea behind combining B. infantis with bovine colostrum is to support a healthy microbiome in multiple ways. Colostrum provides the immune support and the nutrients that help B. infantis thrive, while the probiotic strengthens the gut barrier and helps balance immune responses. Together, they may correct dysbiosis, calm inflammation, and support better GI and behavioral outcomes in children with ASD.

However, before this hypothesis can be tested in large clinical trials, researchers need to first answer whether this combination is safe and tolerable for children on the spectrum.

Pilot Study Design and Key Findings

In this 12-week randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot study, eight children aged 2 to 11 with both ASD and GI symptoms were enrolled. Each child received both treatments: five weeks of combined B. infantis and bovine colostrum, a two-week break, and five weeks of colostrum alone (or in reverse order). Parents completed validated questionnaires assessing GI function, behavior, and side effects, while biological samples were analyzed for microbiome and immune changes.

The primary goal was to assess tolerability—whether the supplement caused any distress or side effects. The most common side effect reported was mild gas, and no child had to withdraw from the study due to adverse reactions. Importantly, several children showed a reduction in the frequency or severity of certain GI symptoms—improvements that had not been achieved with other standard interventions.

Some participants also exhibited behavioral improvements, such as reduced irritability or fewer episodes of social withdrawal. In a few cases, these changes were supported by biological findings, including a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-13 and TNF-α, suggesting a possible calming effect on the immune system.

Conclusion: Promising First Steps

Children with ASD and gastrointestinal symptoms tend to experience gut immune dysfunction and bacterial dysbiosis. This pilot study suggests that bovine colostrum product (BCP) is well-tolerated by these children, both when used alone and in combination with the probiotic B. infantis. Importantly, some participants experienced improvement in chronic GI symptoms that had not responded to other common treatment approaches.

Although the sample size was small and participant symptoms varied widely, the limited number of mild side effects, along with early signs of symptom relief, are encouraging. These findings support the need for larger, well-controlled studies to further evaluate whether this combination can help improve both digestive and behavioral outcomes in children with ASD.

For now, this study offers a hopeful glimpse into a new approach to managing the gut–brain challenges seen in autism—and highlights the growing importance of gut health in developmental disorders.