Associations Between the Gut Microbiota and Internalizing Behaviors in Preschool Children

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between the gut microbiota and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in preschool-aged children. Methods A community sample of 248 typically developing children (3–5 years of age) provided a stool sample for gut microbiota and SCFA analysis. Parents reported child internalizing and externalizing behaviors using the Child Behavior Checklist. Associations between child behaviors and gut microbiota measures were analyzed using Spearman correlations followed by an adjustment for multiple testing, with subanalysis conducted in children clinically “at risk” for behavioral problems compared with those who were not. Results There was a correlation between Shannon alpha diversity with internalizing behaviors (rs = −0.134, p = .035) and its subscale somatic complaints (rs = −0.144, p = .023). In addition, children clinically “at risk” for internalizing problems had decreased alpha diversity (U = 551, p = .017). Internalizing behaviors correlated with valerate and isobutyrate (rs = −0.147, p = .021; rs = −0.140, p = .028, respectively). Furthermore the somatic complaints subscale additionally correlated with acetate and butyrate (rs = −0.219, p = .001; rs = −0.241, p
Source: Psychosomatic Medicine - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLES Source Type: research