Floré unveils “world’s first” probiotics portfolio for neurodiversity

20 Sep 2024 --- Floré, which provides gut health testing and customized probiotics, has launched a new line of probiotics designed for neurodiversity — the cognitive differences between how people think, learn and behave. The new products, Pathways Support and Mood Support are formulated based on research on the positive impact of customized probiotic supplements on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

Floré conducted this study in partnership with Arizona State University, US. Participants consumed the company’s probiotic supplement for three months, with 60% of all individuals experiencing an overall improvement in their ASD symptoms. Moreover, the probiotic helped to significantly improve gastrointestinal (GI) issues and increase microbiome diversity and metabolic capacity. 

“Having seen the immensely positive impact our customized probiotics had on participants during the study, we set out to create products that could provide widespread support and improved well-being for anyone experiencing neurodiversity,” says Craig Rouskey, newly appointed CEO of Floré. 

“At Floré, we are continuously leveraging research to innovate new and cutting-edge solutions to improve physical health and enhance the overall quality of life for so many around the world.” 

Both formulations contain natural ingredients and no artificial additives, which Floré notes makes them suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions and sensitives associated with neurodiversity and ASD. 

Clinical research

The study, published in Human Microbiome, included 296 children and adults diagnosed with ASD, of whom 170 completed the study and 123 neurotypical participants. The participants followed a three-month precision synbiotic supplementation program. The researchers assessed ASD and GI symptoms and deep metagenomic sequencing at baseline and after the program’s completion. 

Within the ASD group, the researchers found significant differences in microbes based on a social responsiveness survey and gluten and dairy-free diets. At baseline, participants in this group had a lower taxonomic alpha diversity in their gut microbiome and significant differences in composition, metabolic pathways and gene families. 

The new launch includes Pathways Support and Mood Support probiotic supplements (Image credit: Floré).The researchers also found a greater share of potential pathogens and lower proportions of beneficial microbes than the control group. However, after three months, the researchers found that precision synbiotics modulated participants’ gut microbiome, showing a higher diversity and shifts in taxonomy and metabolic pathways. 

Moreover, the study found improvements in ASD-related symptoms, including a “significant reduction in GI discomfort and overall improved language, comprehension, cognition, thinking and speech.”

One parent who participated in the study says: “Our son is calm, thinking more clearly and is more active in conversations.” Another participant notes: “After about a week, I’ve already seen results. My son was less agitated, less reactive and more tolerant toward situations that used to cause him to be stressed.” 

At the same time, the authors caution that its open-label study design may include some placebo effects. 

Synbiotic innovations

The new Pathways Support product launched by Floré was crafted to enhance metabolic function, boost thiamine, reduce harmful bacteria and improve levels of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in neurodiverse individuals, including people with ASD. 

In addition, Mood Support is designed to manage the mood and overall mental well-being of people experiencing neurodiversity. Floré explains that the probiotic mix aims “to improve focus, reduce irritability and stabilize mood variations associated with ASD” by enhancing gut health. 

Earlier this year, Floré partnered with Kaneka Probiotics to offer personalized nutrition solutions that target the gut-heart axis and women's specific health needs. By analyzing a person's gut microflora, the company can determine which probiotics, fibers, resistant starches, polyphenols and botanicals best support gut diversity. 

The company has developed an at-home stool test, GI SereniT, to provide clinically relevant insights into gut imbalance, microbiome diversity, pathogenic bacteria and illness. Consumers can access this tool through Floré’s clinical program.