Dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: An updated systematic review of human studies Report Summary

Background: Autism is a multifaceted spectrum of disorders with origins rooted in genetics, epigenetics, autoimmune responses, oxidative stress, and environmental factors. Using dietary approaches to treat ASD is gaining traction due to its safety and accessibility. Objective: The study aimed to critically analyze the roles and efficacy of various dietary interventions, including antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, camel milk, and vitamin D, in treating ASD.

Methodology

The systematic review began by identifying a total of 943 papers. Out of these, 21 articles were selected for a detailed review. These chosen studies explored the effects of five different dietary supplements on ASD symptoms and behaviors.

Findings

• Antioxidants/Polyphenolic Compounds: These were found to decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines and showed improvement in behavioral symptoms of ASD patients.
• Probiotics: Probiotics were observed to enhance behavioral and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and also helped in restoring the balance of gut microbiota.
• Prebiotics: They led to a reduction in inflammatory cytokine levels, improved behavioral and GI symptoms, and positively impacted gut microbiota.
• Vitamin D: Supplementation with Vitamin D not only improved behavioral symptoms but also offered protection against neurotoxicity.
• Camel Milk: This was found to reduce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in ASD patients.

Conclusion

Given the chronic nature and early onset of ASD, dietary supplements can be beneficial in addressing nutritional deficiencies in children with ASD. The primary advantages of these agents arise from their ability to target multiple physiological areas through the gut-brain axis. Importantly, they lack potential harmful or exacerbating effects on ASD patients. The evidence compiled in this review suggests that dietary intervention might pave the way for a new approach in managing autism. The report underscores the potential of dietary interventions in offering a holistic treatment strategy for ASD, emphasizing the gut-brain connection and the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiota.