Autism spectrum disorder(ASD) is characterized by deficits and the ability to socialize, communicate and display repetitive behaviours. Emerging studies have shown that most children with ASD display gastrointestinal symptoms associated with their gastrointestinal microbiota composition. With no cure for the Autism spectrum disorder, nutritional interventions are used with and without clinical supervision to encounter gastrointestinal and behavioural symptoms.
Here summarizes a list of dietary approaches which might help:
1. Vitamin B6 and magnesium
They usually are used together as magnesium can reduce undesirable side effects from Vitamin B6. A study shows that B6-MG intervention would improve verbal skills, social skills and reactions to environmental stimuli in children with ASD.
2. GABA
GABA deductions have been discovered in the premotor cortex in children with ASD. The underlying mechanism is not clear. It is hypothesized that an unsuccessful excitatory-to-inhibitory shift of the GABA activity in neurons will cause impairments in social and emotional cognition in children with ASD.
3.Vitamin D3
Lower concentration of vitamin D3 may link to increased brain size, altered brain shape, and enlarged ventricles in patients with ASD. In some studies, it might also reduce the severity of autism through its anti-inflammatory and anti-autoimmune effects.
4. L-theanine
It is a bioactive compound that is analogous to the L-Glutamic Acid structure and its neuroprotective effect. Therefore, it has excellent potential to be used as an anti autism agent.
5. Zinc
Some studies show that zinc deficiency is linked to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. It has a multifaceted effect on gut development and morphology, so it may have the potential as a supplement for pregnant mothers for improving their zinc status in order to prevent ASD in their offspring.
5. Probiotics
Scientists discovered that probiotics interact with gut microbiota and downregulate GI inflammation and intestinal permeability. It is hypothesized that probiotics correct gut dysfunction and decrease the production of endotoxins. A deeper assessment of the role of gut microbiota in the development of ASD is still under investigation but it provides a promising therapy for the future.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and exert an anti-inflammatory effect. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids in improving core and associated symptoms of ASD are still controversial.
7. Specific carbohydrate diet
It was first introduced to treat celiac disease in the 1920s. It is composed of monosaccharides and aims to reduce symptoms of carbohydrate malabsorption and the growth of pathogenic intestinal microbiota.
8. Ketogenic diet
A ketogenic diet contains high fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein, promoting the concentration of ketone bodies in the body. It is proposed that ketone bodies have neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system, and hence it might also improve ASD core symptoms, especially seizures. However, in order to ensure nutrition needs are being met, taking a ketogenic diet should be monitored by the medical team.
9. Gluten-free casein-free diet
The effectiveness of a gluten-free diet is still uncertain. Researchers concluded that children with autism were more likely to have gluten-related antibodies. It is suggested to eat this diet only when patients are diagnosed with celiac disease or true gluten sensitivity. This is because a long term gluten-free casein-free diet may be associated with nutritional deficiencies of calcium, vitamin D and amino acid.
There is no consensus regarding the dietary protocols for children with ASD. Nutritional interventions can only be used as an adjuvant treatment to usual first-line therapies. If parents are thinking about changing their children’s diet to alleviate their gastrointestinal symptoms and autistic symptoms, asking for professional advice from doctors and dietitians is needed to benefit children.
References
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