Researchers Suggest Processed Foods Might Be The Key To Rising Rates Of Autism

A new study recently came out thanks to researchers from the University of Central Florida that was seeking to investigate the link between Austism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an imbalance of gut bacteria.

A number of studies have suggested that there might be a role that an imbalance in gut bacteria, the microbiome, plays in the development of ASD.

"ASD is believed to be the result of an interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental insults, and maternal immune system abnormalities during the early gestational period" - the researchers noted in their study.

Researchers have previously observed a shift in the microbiome, an immune imbalance, for those with ASD.

Their evidence suggested that a variety of environmental factors which include gastrointestinal and dietary factors, might contribute to ASD.

"Studies have shown a higher level of PPA in stool samples from children with autism and the gut microbiome in autistic children is different,... I wanted to know what the underlying cause was." - Dr. Naser.

Still, more research is needed to be done and next researchers will be looking to see if high levels of propionic acid (PPA), in a maternal diet might cause autism in mice who have been genetically predisposed to ASD.

PPA naturally occurs in the microbiome, though it has been linked to negative health effects on children when mother's increase this acid through consumption of processed foods.

Researchers note that excessive amounts of PPA is believed to both damage and shorten pathways that neurons use to communicate with the entire body.

This, researchers suggest, can eventually impede the brain's ability to communicate effectively, which might result in behaviors that are found in children with ASD.

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The information that is posted above is not intended to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.