Nutritional Impact of a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Study Goal
The researchers compared nutrient intake, including calcium, between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on a gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet and those on a regular diet.
Results Summary
The GFCF diet group had lower calcium intake compared to the regular diet group, but the study did not assess calcium's direct effects or outcomes. The abstract suggests further research is needed to explore long-term nutritional impacts.
Population
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Valencia, Spain (20 on GFCF diet, 85 on regular diet).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | weight | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #1 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | body mass index | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #2 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | total energy intake | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #3 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | pantothenic acid intake | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #4 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | calcium intake | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #5 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | phosphorus intake | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #6 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | sodium intake | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a lower | #7 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | increase | fiber | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a higher intake of | #8 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | increase | legumes | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a higher intake of | #9 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | increase | vegetables | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a higher intake of | #10 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | increase | quality of fat intake | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | had a better | #11 |
gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet | neutral | vitamin D | children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | - | needed supplementation with | #12 |
We compared anthropometric values, nutrient intake, the Healthy Eating Index and food variety in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 20 on a gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet and 85 on a regular diet in Valencia (Spain) using 3-days food diaries. Those on the GFCF diet had a lower weight, body mass index, and total energy, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus and sodium intake, but a higher intake of fiber, legumes, and vegetables. Further, the GFCF diet group had a better quality of fat intake, but needed supplementation with vitamin D. Randomized controlled trials are required to explore long-term effects of this diet on anthropometric and nutritional status (the focus of our study), but also behavioral symptoms, in children with ASD.