How an upset gut microbiome is tied to autism
The latest evidence suggests an association but not a causal link
THE GUT microbiome’s effect on health is so big that it is sometimes referred to as a forgotten organ. The trillions of critters in the lower alimentary canal have an influence that seems to reach all over the body—helping regulate weight, for example. In recent years, though, one idea in particular has intrigued researchers. This is that certain mixtures of gut microbes may help cause autism.
This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “When theories go belly up”
From the November 20th 2021 edition
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