Gut Imbalances Might Play a Role in Autism, Study Finds
The study, published inNature Communications, adds to a growing body of research that shows agut-brain connectionin autism. The analysis focused ontryptophan, an amino acid thatgut microbesconvert into various compounds, includingserotonin. Tryptophan metabolites were linked to altered brain activity in areas involved in emotional and sensory processing. Dragon Claws / Getty Images Researchers found a reduction of kynurenatea key metabolitein autistic children. This compound helps protect the brain, and lower levels may increase vulnerability to behavioral and cognitive issues....