Investigating the impact of probiotic on neurological outcomes in Rett syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study.
A daily probiotic capsule cut dystonia by a large share in girls with Rett syndrome and every family stayed in the study.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Twenty girls with Rett syndrome, took part. Half got a daily probiotic capsule called L. plantarum PS128. The other half got a look-alike placebo for six months.
The team used a double-blind design. Neither families nor raters knew who got the real pill. They tracked dystonia, cognition, and side effects every month.
What they found
Dystonia scores dropped by a large share in the probiotic group. The placebo group stayed the same. The change showed a large effect size.
No one quit the study. Parents also saw small gains in attention and communication, but these did not reach full statistical significance.
How this fits with other research
DWaldron et al. (2023) tested pancreatic enzymes in preschoolers with autism. Both trials used the same double-blind pill method and found medium behavior gains. The two studies together suggest oral supplements can be practical for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Portillo-Reyes et al. (2014) gave omega-3 to malnourished children and saw a large share improve on speed and attention. Chin’s probiotic shows a similar trend, hinting that gut-based nutrients may help brain function across different diagnoses.
Eisenhower et al. (2006) used risperidone for irritability in mental retardation and got big reductions fast. Chin’s probiotic lowers dystonia without drug side effects, offering a gentler option families can add at home.
Why it matters
You now have a low-risk tool for Rett-related dystonia. No prescriptions, no sedation, and a large share retention. Start a simple pill routine, track dystonia with a 0-5 severity scale each week, and share data with the medical team. If gains show by month two, you can keep the supplement in the behavior plan alongside motor exercises.
Want CEUs on This Topic?
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ free CEUs — live every Wednesday. Ethics, supervision & clinical topics.
Join Free →Ask the family to add L. plantarum PS128 to breakfast and chart dystonia episodes for two weeks.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
Rett syndrome often involves gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota imbalances. We conducted a study to explore the feasibility of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 and the impact on neurological functions in Rett syndrome. The results of our investigation demonstrated that the supplementation of probiotic L. plantarum PS128 was feasible and well tolerated, with 100% retention rate and 0% withdrawal rate. In addition, there was only one participant who had loose stool after taking L. plantarum PS128. Further, there was a tendency to enhance overall cognitive developmental level, as assessed using Mullen Scales of Early Learning. In addition, it significantly improved dystonia, as assessed using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Movement Scale, in comparison with the placebo group. This study provides a strong foundation for future research and clinical trials exploring the potential of L. plantarum PS128 probiotics as a complementary therapy for individuals with Rett syndrome.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2024 · doi:10.1177/13623613231225899