Chinese scientists identify food ingredient they say could reverse some autism symptoms

Scientists have identified a probiotic in dairy fermentation that may help alleviate and reverse some autism symptoms. Currently patients can only use antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants and anti-anxiety medications for treatments, but the new study suggests a natural method could just as effective. The discovery was made using genetically modified mice that were prone to autism-like symptoms. When modified, the mice exhibited symptoms of the disorder like a reduced interest in social interactions and an imbalance in the key neurotransmitters crucial for functions like learning, memory and cognitive processes. Researchers gave the animals a daily dose of the probiotic Lactobacillus murinus (a type of bacteria commonly found in dairy products like cheese and yogurt) for one month.