Nutritional and Dietary Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Abstract
CONTEXT: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently use special diets or receive nutritional supplements to treat ASD symptoms. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dietary interventions or nutritional supplements in ASD. DATA SOURCES: Databases, including Medline and PsycINFO. STUDY SELECTION: Two investigators independently screened studies against predetermined criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: One investigator extracted data with review by a second investigator. Investigators independently assessed the risk of bias and strength of evidence (SOE) (ie, confidence in the estimate of effects). RESULTS: , levocarnitine) reported some improvements in symptom severity (insufficient SOE). Studies evaluating gluten/casein-free diets reported some parent-rated improvements in communication and challenging behaviors; however, data were inadequate to make conclusions about the body of evidence (insufficient SOE). Studies of gluten- or casein-containing challenge foods reported no effects on behavior or gastrointestinal symptoms with challenge foods (insufficient SOE); 1 RCT reported no effects of camel's milk on ASD severity (insufficient SOE). Harms were disparate. LIMITATIONS: Studies were small and short-term, and there were few fully categorized populations or concomitant interventions. CONCLUSIONS: There is little evidence to support the use of nutritional supplements or dietary therapies for children with ASD.
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Despite limited evidence and poor understanding of mechanisms, special or elimination diets and nutritional supplementation are frequently used treatments in children and adolescents with ASD.
“Despite limited evidence and poor understanding of the potential mechanisms of dietary interventions that might affect behavior, special or elimination diets and nutritional supplementation are frequently used treatments in children and adolescents with ASD [24].”
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- Authors
- Sathe, N., Andrews, J. C., McPheeters, M. L., & Warren, Z. E.
- Affiliations
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (US)
- Vanderbilt University (US)
- Venue
- PEDIATRICS
- Publisher
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- Published
- 2017-05-26
- Volume
- 139
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- e20170346
- ISSN
- 0031-4005 (ISSN-L)
- 1098-4275
- OpenAlex
- W2619358396
- Cited by
- 138
- References
- 57
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 5
- FWCI
- 11.88
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- PEDIATRICS (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
- Keywords
- autism spectrum disorder, dietary intervention, dietary supplements, gluten-free diet, casein-free diet, camel milk, L-carnitine, symptom severity, behavioral problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, children
- MeSH terms
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child, Humans, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Dietary Supplements, Diet, Gluten-Free, Enzyme Therapy
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