Brenna Colby; Sarah Burgoyne, Brigham Young University
A recent studied published in Nature showed that there is a direct link between certain gut bacteria in pregnant mice and developmental disorders in their progeny. The anatomic similarities between mice and humans may allow for early application of this finding to women. Although researchers are focused on discovering the science behind the root of developmental disorders it will be many years before they can develop a treatment to effectively address this specific cause of autism. The aim of this study is to find a more immediate application of these recent scientific discoveries. To complete this study, a survey was carefully prepared and given to predominantly LDS women who are in their childbearing years. The question that was answered through the survey was if these women knew of a diet that would allow them to control their gut bacteria, to protect their unborn child from autism and other developmental disorders, would they do it. This study is meant to help shape future research about the development of autism by give insight on the best way to enact the changes need to apply the research.