AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ABOUT NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
• Nutritional interventions are frequently explored for managing ASD symptoms.
• Gastrointestinal issues are common comorbidities in individuals with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the scientific evidence on nutritional interventions for children and adolescents with ASD.
• To evaluate the impact of these interventions on autistic behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic review of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Periódicos CAPES) was performed.
• Studies published between January 2003 and March 2018, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, were included.
• Included studies focused on nutritional interventions in pediatric ASD populations with control groups; evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE system.

Main Results:

• Eighteen studies (16 RCTs, 1 case-control, 1 open-label) were included.
• Gluten-free and casein-free diets were the most common interventions studied.
• Ten studies reported a positive association between interventions and outcomes, while eight found no significant association.

Conclusions:

• Some studies indicate potential improvements in ASD symptoms with nutritional interventions.
• However, the overall scientific evidence supporting dietary therapies and supplements for children and adolescents with ASD is currently limited.
• Further high-quality research is needed to establish efficacy.