Digestive enzyme supplementation for autism spectrum disorders: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
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Published on: February 3, 2016
Sujeeva A Munasinghe1, Carolyn Oliff, Judith Finn
1State Child Development Centre, West Perth, WA, Australia. munass01@student.uwa.edu.au
Insights
Digestive enzyme supplements did not significantly improve autism symptoms in children. While some improvement in food variety was noted, further research is needed to confirm these findings for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents challenges in behavior, language, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
- Digestive enzyme supplements are explored as a potential complementary therapy for ASD symptoms.
- Evidence for enzyme efficacy in ASD requires rigorous scientific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a digestive enzyme supplement on expressive language, behavior, and other symptoms in children with ASD.
- To determine if enzyme supplementation offers clinically significant benefits beyond placebo.
- To assess effects on specific ASD-related domains including communication and GI health.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 43 children (aged 3-8 years) with ASD.
- Monthly assessments using Global Behavior Rating Scales and parent/therapist-reported symptom scales.
- The Rescorla Language Development Survey was administered monthly to track language progress.
Main Results:
- Enzyme treatment showed no significant improvement in behavior, GI symptoms, sleep, or language development compared to placebo.
- A statistically significant, though small, improvement was observed in food variety scores with enzyme therapy.
- No clinically meaningful reduction in core ASD symptoms was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- This study found no clinically significant benefits of digestive enzyme supplementation for core ASD symptoms in children.
- A minor improvement in food variety suggests a potential area for further, more focused research.
- Current evidence does not support the widespread use of digestive enzymes for managing ASD symptoms.
Abstract:
To examine the effects of a digestive enzyme supplement in improving expressive language, behaviour and other symptoms in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial using crossover design over 6 months for 43 children, aged 3-8 years. Outcome measurement tools included monthly Global Behaviour Rating Scales, Additional Rating Scales of other symptoms by parents and therapists, and monthly completion of the Rescorla Language Development Survey. Compared with placebo, treatment with enzyme was not associated with clinically significant improvement in behaviour, food variety, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep quality, engagement with therapist, or the Language Development Survey Vocabulary or Sentence Complexity Scores. A small statistically significant improvement on enzyme therapy was seen for the food variety scores. No clinically significant effect improvement of autism symptoms with enzyme use was shown with this trial, however, possible effects on improvement in food variety warrants further detailed investigation.
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