The level of arabinitol in autistic children after probiotic therapy

Objective: The level of D-arabinitol (DA) and the ratio of D-/L-arabinitol (DA/LA) in the urine of children with autism were investigated. The changes in DA/LA after probiotic treatment in urine samples of children with autism were studied. Methods: DA and LA and the DA/LA ratio were identified by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in urine before and after the probiotic therapy. Results: The level of DA is significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the urine of autistic children before (A) and after probiotic supplementation (A1) (160.04 +/- 22.88 mu mol/mmol creatinine and 89.53 +/- 37.41 mu mol/mmol creatinine, respectively). Nonetheless, the probiotic supplementation let to a significant decrease in DA and DA/LA and to a significant improvement in ability of concentration and carrying out orders. Conclusion: The use of probiotics seems to be helpful in reducing the level of DA and the ratio of DA/LA in the urine of children with autism. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.