Effects of whey protein supplementation on gut microbiota of Wistar rats with valproic acid-induced autism symptoms

Aim: To evaluate the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation (1.24 mg/g, 24 days) in rats with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by valproic acid (400 mg/kg, single dose). Materials & methods: Wistar rats (14 days old) were divided into four groups: control, ASD, ASD plus WP and WP. Results: WP increased bacterial diversity and the number of colonies. Bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum were predominantly found in the supplemented groups (p < 0.05). WP also improved the animals' memory in the Y-maze test and decreased the time that male animals spent in the 'solitary chamber' (p < 0.05). Conclusion: WP supplementation positively influenced gut microbiota, along with memory.