Ketogenic diet as a therapeutic approach in autism spectrum disorder: a narrative review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the potential mechanisms of action of the ketogenic diet (KD) and its effects on individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Results Summary
The study found that a KD can improve behavioral parameters in individuals with ASD, likely through improvements in energy metabolism, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, control of neurotransmitters, gene expression, and modulation of the gut microbiota. The KD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for ASD.
Population
Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ketogenic diet | neutral | drug-resistant epilepsy | patients with drug-resistant epilepsy | - | is used as an anticonvulsant treatment approach | #1 |
ketogenic diet | neutral | neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) | - | - | may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of | #2 |
ketogenic diet | increase | behavioural parameters | individuals with ASD | - | can improve | #3 |
ketogenic diet | increase | energy metabolism | - | - | mediated through improvements in | #4 |
ketogenic diet | decrease | pro-inflammatory cytokine levels | - | - | mediated through reduction of | #5 |
ketogenic diet | neutral | neurotransmitters | - | - | mediated through control of | #6 |
ketogenic diet | neutral | gene expression | - | - | mediated through | #7 |
ketogenic diet | neutral | gut microbiota | - | - | mediated through modulation of | #8 |
ketogenic diet | neutral | ASD | - | - | appears to be a safe and effective treatment for | #9 |
The ketogenic diet (KD) originated in the 1920s. It is a dietary model that is low in carbohydrates, adequate in protein, and high in fat content. The diet mimics starvation and increases the production of ketone bodies, leading to ketosis in metabolism. KD is used as an anticonvulsant treatment approach in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In addition, it is thought that a KD may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Numerous recent studies have demonstrated that a KD can improve behavioural parameters in individuals with ASD. This review aims to address the potential mechanisms of action of the KD and to examine the effects of the KD on individuals diagnosed with ASD. It is likely that this role is mediated through improvements in energy metabolism, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, control of neurotransmitters, gene expression and modulation of the gut microbiota. Based on the available evidence, a KD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for ASD.