Gluten-casein-free feeding in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (DSA).

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (DSA) are a range of neurodevelopmental dysfunctions, originating in childhood, characterized by the presence of alterations in the area of ​​communication and social interaction and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. Currently, the existence of the “micro microbiota-gut-brain axis” is highlighted, which strengthens the hypothesis that gastrointestinal abnormalities could trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms in DSA, showing that a personalized food approach can be beneficial. The Gluten and / or Casein Free Diet (DFCG) has become a decisive and at the same time controversial component for the treatment of medical problems concomitant to the diagnosis of DSA.

The objetive was to evaluate the changes in gastrointestinal and neurobehavioral symptoms after the implementation of a DFCG in children and adolescents with DSA residing in the province of Córdoba.

Observational descriptive study, simple correlational, cross-sectional (n: 24). The changes in neurobehavioral alterations and gastrointestinal symptoms evidenced after the implementation of the DFCG were investigated through a survey. For the data analysis, the mean was used as a summary measure and its standard deviation. Continuous variables were described on average and discrete in%, 95% CI. In the inferential phase, the Chi-square Test was applied.

The 77.8% showed improvements in neurobehavioral disorders (87.5% in social interaction, 75% in linguistic and communicative behavior, 70.8% in restrictive and stereotyped patterns). 70.8% showed favorable changes in gastrointestinal symptoms (pain / colic and bloating, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting). A statistically significant association was found between the improvements manifested in gastrointestinal symptoms (p: 0.0004), neurobehavioral disorders (p: 0.0005) and DFCG, directly proportional to the time of diet.

Being DSA is an individualized disorder dependent on the medical problems concomitant to the diagnosis, the benefits of DFCG are different for each individual. However, the main findings suggest favorable changes in all the variables studied. The results obtained enrich the scientific heritage by providing new evidence regarding the importance of the food component as part of the treatment of children and adolescents with DSA.