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This monthly feature provides an overview of some of the latest studies on prebiotics. We’ll share key findings and insights from the studies. Have a study you’d like us to cover? Email GPA Communications Director Traci Kantowski traci@prebioticassociation.org.

Dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: An updated systematic review of human studies

This systematic review provides an updated analysis of the efficacy of antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, camel milk and vitamin D in human studies that investigated therapeutic benefits of these dietary interventions in autism.

Key takeaways: In the studies included in this review, prebiotics decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, improved behavioral and GI symptoms and improved gut microbiota in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. Only three studies were included that looked at prebiotics, more research is needed.

Access the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35477082/ 
Amadi CN, Orish CN, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: An updated systematic review of human studies. Psychiatriki. 2022 Apr 27. doi: 10.22365/jpsych.2022.073. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35477082.

Impact of probiotics and prebiotics in the modulation of the major events of the aging process: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review evaluated the impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on the major events that affect individuals aged 65 or older.

Key takeaways: Nine randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Most of the studies demonstrated an improvement in issues related to aging (glucose homeostasis, cognitive function, frailty phenotype, gut microbiota profile, immune parameters). The authors suggest that “modifications of older persons’ gut microbiota by means of probiotics and prebiotics consumption may be a valid strategy to improve health and attenuate some physiological deterioration that occurs during the aging process”.

Access the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35469958/

Chenhuichen C, Cabello-Olmo M, Barajas M, Izquierdo M, Ramírez-Vélez R, Zambom-Ferraresi F, Martínez-Velilla N. Impact of probiotics and prebiotics in the modulation of the major events of the aging process: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Exp Gerontol. 2022 Apr 22:111809. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111809. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35469958.

The Potential of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation During Obese Pregnancy to Improve Maternal and Offspring’s Metabolic Health and Reduce Obesity Risk-A Narrative Review

This intriguing narrative review discusses the potential of pre- and probiotic interventions in modulating maternal obesity associated dysbiosis to limit the child’s obesity risk.

Key takeaway:

Few studies exist in humans especially related to prebiotics. However, 4 animal studies revealed prebiotic supplementation decreased the offspring’s obesity risk, while probiotic supplementation in humans failed to show positive impacts in the offspring. While this evidence is interesting and promising, how the animal data transfers to humans is not clear, trials in humans are needed.

Access the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35464026/

Wiedmer EB, Herter-Aeberli I. The Potential of Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplementation During Obese Pregnancy to Improve Maternal and Offspring’s Metabolic Health and Reduce Obesity Risk-A Narrative Review. Front Nutr. 2022 Apr 7;9:819882. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.819882. PMID: 35464026; PMCID: PMC9021550.

This list was curated by Susan Hewlings, Ph.D., R.D., Director of Scientific Affairs Nutrasource/GRAS Associates