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.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet in reducing symptoms and improving neurodevelopment in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Results Summary
The meta-analysis found that a GFCF diet significantly reduced stereotypical behaviors and improved cognition in children with ASD, though no significant changes were observed in other symptomatic categories. The study noted that most included studies were single-blind and called for additional large-scale research.
Population
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); total of 297 participants across 8 studies.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet | decrease | stereotypical behaviors | children with ASD | standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.68 to -0.15 | significant reductions | #1 |
gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet | increase | cognition | children with ASD | standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.46, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.01 | improvements | #2 |
gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet | no change | other symptomatic categories | children with ASD | all P > 0.05 | No statistically significant changes were observed | #3 |
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.