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Dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder: new perspectives from the gut-brain axis
Doenyas (2018) emphasizes that there remain unknown facts about the mechanisms by which certain dietary interventions (such as the gluten-free/casein free diet and the ketogenic diet) can treat symptoms and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This online article addresses the importance of understanding not only the mechanism, but the physiological impacts caused by these restrictive diets. Recently interest in the gut-brain axis (communication between the gut and the brain) and its role in ASD has been growing. The author states that evidence on the gut-microbial, inflammatory, and neuronal effects of these diets have also been released recently. The use of probiotics may be a potential alternative to the previously mentioned diets as they have shown promising results in people with ASD. But more research is required to precisely determine the complete physiological effects of these diets. Hopefully, we will additionally see increased development of more informed interventions that are less restrictive (not limiting certain nutrients) and bring out positive changes in behaviors. [NPID: ASD, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, brain development, cognition, communication, social skills, neurodevelopmental disorders, gluten, casein, keto, ketogenic, gut microbiota, inflammation, probiotics]
Year: 2018
