Improvement of sleep and melatonin in children with autism spectrum disorder after β-1,3/1,6-glucan consumption: An open-label prospective pilot clinical study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Poor sleep quality is a major problem in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and is attributed to low melatonin levels. Melatonin supplementation is recommended; however, its effectiveness varies. β-Glucans have previously been shown to improve melatonin levels in animal studies. Herein, we examined the effectiveness of Aureobasidium pullulans (Nichi Glucan), a species of black yeast that contains beta-1,3/1,6-glucan, in a pilot study of children with ASD.

Methods

Thirteen children (age, 2.5-13 years) with ASD were recruited for the study. The control group consisted of four patients (Gr. 1), while nine patients were classified into the treatment group (Gr. 2). Gr. 2 received 1 g of Nichi Glucan along with conventional therapy, whereas the Gr. 1 (contr

SUBMITTER: Raghavan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9480952 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature