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Diet: the keystone of autism spectrum disorder?

S Peretti1,2, M Mariano1,2, C Mazzocchetti3

  • 1Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Clinical Epidemiology and Environmental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.

Nutritional Neuroscience
|April 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Maternal and child diets significantly impact autism risk and symptom severity. Understanding these nutritional factors offers potential pathways for intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Nutritional Science
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions with unknown causes.
  • Environmental factors, particularly prenatal exposures, are increasingly implicated in ASD etiology.
  • Maternal diet during pregnancy and the diet of children with ASD are recognized as potential modifiable risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review empirical studies on the role of maternal diet during gestation in ASD development.
  • To examine the impact of diet in children with ASD on symptom exacerbation.
  • To highlight the benefits and limitations of current research on nutritional interventions for ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of empirical studies.
  • Analysis of research investigating maternal nutritional intake during pregnancy.
  • Evaluation of studies focusing on dietary patterns and nutritional status in children with ASD.

Main Results:

  • Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy are associated with varying risks of ASD development.
  • Specific nutrient intakes during gestation may increase or decrease ASD risk.
  • Dietary selectivity and nutritional deficiencies/excesses in ASD children can influence symptom severity.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal diet during pregnancy is a critical factor in the etiopathogenesis of ASD.
  • The diet of children with ASD plays a significant role in the worsening of their symptoms.
  • Nutritional strategies targeting maternal and child diets represent promising avenues for ASD risk reduction and management.

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderChildren dietDiet therapyMaternal prenatal dietProtective factorsRisk factors

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