The complexity and simplicity of influencing future generations’ autism and ADHD rates grow clearer with this study which demonstrates how genetics and gut bacteria interact to affect whether a child develops autism or ADHD. Chinese researchers identified links between the activity of different immune and neurologic genes with the presence of different bacteria in infant GI tracts. The simplicity of influencing those outcomes intrigues medical providers and parents both when we consider responses to this complexity.
As the rates of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rise, more and more research dollars pour into broader and broader perspectives on how to influence these often life-disrupting conditions. While mild forms of these conditions can come with special talents that actually enhance life, too often they actually limit life. We want to reduce this destructive impact.
Knowing that, like so many other developmental conditions, both genetics and environment (including in the gut) affect neurologic growth during childhood, these researchers did what others had not yet done: they set up a study to tease out the interactions between methylation patterns on genes and bacteria in infant guts over the course of early life.
They chose methylation patterns due to the fact that the presence or absence of one little methyl group (1 carbon plus 3 hydrogens) on proteins attached to a gene can turn off (methyl presence) or on (absence) the activity of that gene. Recognizing from others’ research that this on/off switch was not enough to explain ASD or ADHD alone, they wanted to see how bacteria in the gut might interact with these methylation controls to lead to outward symptoms.
Without getting into the nitty gritty details which would take a biochemistry course or three, they found several things that may influence future research, prevention, and therapy. First, Caesarean section influenced the methylation patterns of genes related to neurologic development, increasing ASD and ADHD rates. Second, this increased rate from C-Sections was partially decreased by early life colonization with the bacteria Lachnospira pectinoschiza in ASD and Parabacteroides distasonis in ADHD. Third, the ASD genes included those relating to synaptic function (the connections between nerve cells). Fourth, the genes related to ADHD concerned dopamine pathways and Blood Brain Barrier function.
Before you look for these bacteria in your next probiotic purchase, know that you won’t find them marketed just yet. We are a little time away from applying these directly to infant probiotics. For now, the simplicity lies in the fact of aiming for vaginal deliveries instead of C-section when able (but don’t feel guilty if health issues force a C-section). Further, we encourage breast feeding, again unless contraindicated or unable to do so.
In the meantime, as we work to help our patients live a healthier, more abundant life, we can continue follow science like this and look for ways to apply it now as we wait for further insights to come. For now, know that gut health, including the bacteria, affect us from birth to the end of life. Take good care of your gut’s bacterial garden.
Original Article:
Siew Chien Ng, Ye Peng, Lin Zhang, Shilin Zhao, Oscar Wong, Xin Liu, Hang Li, Jie Zhu, Yingzhi Liu, Qi Su, Wing Hung Tam, Tak Yeung Leung, Sandra Chan, Patrick Leung, Jessica Yuet-Ling Ching, Pui-Kuan Cheong, Long Ip, Amy Mei Kam Chang, Xi Zhang, Xueqi Wu, Yuzhou Chen, Shuai Yan, Whitney Tang, Chun Pun Cheung, Ting Fan Leung, Hein Min Tun, Francis Ka Leung Chan. Epigenome-microbiome interplay in early life associates with infants’ neurodevelopmental outcomes. Cell Press Blue, 2026; 1 (2): 100009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpblue.2026.100009
Thanks to Science Daily:
Cell Press. “Scientists discover gut bacteria that may help protect against autism and ADHD.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 2 June 2026. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260602021645.htm>.
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
Dr. Eric Potter graduated from Vanderbilt Medical School and then went on to specialize in internal medicine (adult) and pediatric care, spending significant time and effort in growing his medical understanding while caring for patients from all walks of life.
