A systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits of a gluten-free diet and/or casein-free diet for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

It has been suggested that a gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet may alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and facilitate neurodevelopment of children with ASD. Studies to date have been inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to evaluate (through quantitative meta-analysis) the efficacy and safety of a GFCF diet for children with ASD. To our knowledge, this is the first time such an analysis has been carried out.

DATA SOURCES:

Eight electronic databases were searched, from the establishment of each database up to March 27, 2020: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Two authors independently performed the data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment.

DATA ANALYSIS:

A quantitative meta-analysis was performed with standard procedures by using Stata SE 15 software. Within the total of 8 studies, with 297 participants, 5 studies reported significant reductions in stereotypical behaviors [standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.68 to -0.15], and 3 studies reported improvements in cognition (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.01) following GFCF dietary intervention . No statistically significant changes were observed in other symptomatic categories (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The current meta-analysis showed that a GFCF diet can reduce stereotypical behaviors and improve the cognition of children with ASD. Though most of the included studies were single-blind, the benefits of a GFCF diet that have been indicated are promising. Additional studies on a larger scale are warranted.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020177619.

• Authors: Liuliu Quan, Xinjie Xu, Yonghong Cui, Heze Han, Robert L Hendren, Lidan Zhao, Xin You
• Journal: Nutrition reviews (Nutr Rev) Vol. 80 Issue 5 Pg. 1237-1246 (04 08 2022) ISSN: 1753-4887 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34617108 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute.

Chemical References

• Caseins

Topics

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Caseins
• Child
• Diet, Gluten-Free (methods)
• Humans
• Single-Blind Method