Autism & Multivitamins Overall, the participants in the supplement group had significantly greater improvement than the placebo group on the Average Change of the PGI-R scores. The supplement group actually reported approximately twice the improvement when compared with the placebo group. The Average Change of the PGI-R scores refers to the overall combined average of all the PGI-R scores. The most interesting part of this study is the association of certain nutrient levels with the Average Change of the PGI-R scores. Through statistical analysis, the researchers determined that the levels of biotin, Vitamin K and lipoic acid were strongly associated with the Average Change of the PGI-R scores in the small sub-group of local children. As pointed out by the authors of the study, both biotin and Vitamin K are produced in the intestines by the beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. It is estimated that half of the biotin and Vitamin K in humans is produced by our intestinal flora. It is also known that children with autism not only have a higher incidence of GI problems than healthy children but also, on average, have a much higher use of oral antibiotics in their past medical history than healthy children. After reading these results I performed a quick literature search to find out if anyone had supplemented autistic patients with probiotics and then measured the outcome. Shockingly, no trials have ever been performed looking at the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation in autistic patients (according to PubMed). Currently there is not even a trial in progress (I checked the NIH Registry) that is looking at probiotics as a potential treatment for the symptoms of autism. I did find several published reviews that suggest controlled intervention trials should be designed and performed but to date, none are being performed. It will be a long time before we know if probiotic supplementation in autistic patients is helpful but, for now, thanks to this study, we do know that prescribing a multi vitamin / mineral to autistic patients is a well-tolerated, reasonable and beneficial treatment. Laura Firetag ND Student Bastyr University Adams, James, Tapan Audhya, et al. "Effect of a Vitamin/mineral Supplement on Children and Adults with Autism." Biomed Central Pediatrics. 11.111 (2011). Web. 18 Jan. 2012.