Gluten-Free Diet in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blinded Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a gluten-free diet (GFD) compared to a gluten-containing diet (GD) influences functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Results Summary
The study found no differences between the GFD and GD groups in autistic symptoms, maladaptive behaviors, or intellectual abilities after the intervention, indicating that a GFD did not affect functioning in children with ASD.
Population
Children aged 36-69 months with ASD and normal IQ (>70) who had been on a GFD for at least 8 weeks before enrollment.
Effective Dosage
At least one normal meal containing gluten per day for the GD group.
Duration
6 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gluten-free diet (GFD) | no change | functioning | children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) | - | did not affect | #1 |
gluten-free diet (GFD) | no change | autistic symptoms | children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) | - | no differences | #2 |
gluten-free diet (GFD) | no change | maladaptive behaviors | children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) | - | no differences | #3 |
gluten-free diet (GFD) | no change | intellectual abilities | children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) | - | no differences | #4 |
To determine whether a gluten-free diet (GFD) compared with a gluten-containing diet (GD) influences functioning of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we performed a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. Sixty-six children (36-69 months) with ASD, within the normal IQ (> 70) range, who had been on a GFD for at least 8 weeks before enrollment were eligible for inclusion. After an 8-week run-in period on a GFD, the GFD group continued this diet and the GD group consumed at least one normal meal containing gluten per day for 6 months. There were no differences between groups in autistic symptoms, maladaptive behaviors, or intellectual abilities after the intervention. A GFD compared with a GD did not affect functioning of children with ASD.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02280746.