M Gogou1, G Kolios2. 1. 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University General Hospital AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloníki, Greece. mariaangogou@gmail.com. 2. Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A nutritional background has been recognized in the pathophysiology of autism and a series of nutritional interventions have been considered as complementary therapeutic options. As available treatments and interventions are not effective in all individuals, new therapies could broaden management options for these patients. Our aim is to provide current literature data about the effect of therapeutic diets on autism spectrum disorder. DATA SOURCE: A systematic review was conducted by two reviewers independently. Prospective clinical and preclinical studies were considered. RESULT: Therapeutic diets that have been used in children with autism include ketogenic and gluten/casein-free diet. We were able to identify 8 studies conducted in animal models of autism demonstrating a beneficial effect on neurophysiological and clinical parameters. Only 1 clinical study was found showing improvement in childhood autism rating scale after implementation of ketogenic diet. With regard to gluten/casein-free diet, 4 clinical studies were totally found with 2 of them showing a favorable outcome in children with autism. Furthermore, a combination of gluten-free and modified ketogenic diet in a study had a positive effect on social affect scores. No serious adverse events have been reported. CONCLUSION: Despite encouraging laboratory data, there is controversy about the real clinical effect of therapeutic diets in patients with autism. More research is needed to provide sounder scientific evidence.
BACKGROUND: A nutritional background has been recognized in the pathophysiology of autism and a series of nutritional interventions have been considered as complementary therapeutic options. As available treatments and interventions are not effective in all individuals, new therapies could broaden management options for these patients. Our aim is to provide current literature data about the effect of therapeutic diets on autism spectrum disorder. DATA SOURCE: A systematic review was conducted by two reviewers independently. Prospective clinical and preclinical studies were considered. RESULT: Therapeutic diets that have been used in children with autism include ketogenic and gluten/casein-free diet. We were able to identify 8 studies conducted in animal models of autism demonstrating a beneficial effect on neurophysiological and clinical parameters. Only 1 clinical study was found showing improvement in childhood autism rating scale after implementation of ketogenic diet. With regard to gluten/casein-free diet, 4 clinical studies were totally found with 2 of them showing a favorable outcome in children with autism. Furthermore, a combination of gluten-free and modified ketogenic diet in a study had a positive effect on social affect scores. No serious adverse events have been reported. CONCLUSION: Despite encouraging laboratory data, there is controversy about the real clinical effect of therapeutic diets in patients with autism. More research is needed to provide sounder scientific evidence.
Authors: Rabindra Tirouvanziam; Tetyana V Obukhanych; Julie Laval; Pavel A Aronov; Robin Libove; Arpita Goswami Banerjee; Karen J Parker; Ruth O'Hara; Leonard A Herzenberg; Leonore A Herzenberg; Antonio Y Hardan Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2012-05
Authors: Marzena Ułamek-Kozioł; Ryszard Pluta; Anna Bogucka-Kocka; Stanisław J Czuczwar Journal: Ann Agric Environ Med Date: 2016-12-23 Impact factor: 1.447
Authors: Justin B Leaf; Jeremy A Leaf; Christine Milne; Mitchell Taubman; Misty Oppenheim-Leaf; Norma Torres; Donna Townley-Cochran; Ronald Leaf; John McEachin; Paul Yoder Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2017-02
Authors: Younghee Ahn; Rasha Sabouny; Bianca R Villa; Nellie C Yee; Richelle Mychasiuk; Golam M Uddin; Jong M Rho; Timothy E Shutt Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2020-05-05 Impact factor: 5.923
Authors: Inge van der Wurff; Anke Oenema; Dennis de Ruijter; Claudia Vingerhoets; Thérèse van Amelsvoort; Bart Rutten; Sandra Mulkens; Sebastian Köhler; Annemie Schols; Renate de Groot Journal: Nutrients Date: 2022-03-26 Impact factor: 5.717
Authors: Gian Loreto D'Alò; Franco De Crescenzo; Silvia Minozzi; Gian Paolo Morgano; Zuzana Mitrova; Maria Luisa Scattoni; Laura Amato; Marina Davoli; Holger J Schünemann Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2020-04-16 Impact factor: 3.186