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 Researchers examined data from 27 trials involving a total of 1,028
children with autism spectrum disorder. Kids were randomly selected
to take various dietary supplements, including vitamins or omega-3s,
or to take a dummy pill instead.
Omega-3s and vitamin supplements were more effective than the
placebo pill at improving several symptoms, functions, and clinical
domains, researchers report in Pediatrics. Gains varied in the
trials but included improved language and social skills, reduced
repetitive behaviors, improved attention, less irritability and
behavior difficulties, and better sleep and communication.
"These results suggest that some dietary interventions could play a
role in the clinical management of some areas of dysfunction
specific to ASD," said Dr. David Fraguas, lead author of the study
and a researcher at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon
and Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain.
Even though the analysis was based on controlled experiments - the
gold standard for testing the effectiveness of medical interventions
- the individual studies were too varied in what supplements they
tested and how they measured results to draw any broad conclusions
about what type or amount of supplements might be ideal for children
with autism, researchers note in Pediatrics.
"The underlying mechanisms involved in the potential efficacy of
dietary interventions in autism spectrum disorder are unknown,
Fraguas said by email. "Our study does not assess this important
question and current literature is inconclusive."
About 1 in 59 kids have autism spectrum disorder, according to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's much more
often diagnosed in boys than in girls.
Early symptoms of autism can vary but may include repetitive
behaviors like hand flapping or body rocking, extreme resistance to
changes in routine, and sometimes aggression or self-injury.
Behavioral, educational, speech and language therapy may help reduce
the severity of symptoms in some children.
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There are no medications that can cure autism or treat the main
symptoms, but there are some drugs that can help children function
better by improving symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity,
depression, or seizures, according to the CDC.
While some therapists treating kids with autism advise parents to
put children on special diets, rigorous scientific studies haven't
proven that there's a good approach to recommend to all kids with
autism, according to the CDC.
Complicating matters, children with autism may have a range of
health issues related to food, according to the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics. (http://bit.ly/2Vzw1Bg) They may, for example, be
sensitive to the taste, smell, color, or texture of certain foods
and eat a very limited selection of items or have difficulty
focusing on meals. They might also be prone to constipation, or have
medication interactions that impact their appetite.
Kids with autism shouldn't go on a special diet without first seeing
a registered dietician nutritionist to ensure they're getting enough
nutrients and calories to thrive, AND advises.
Even though vitamin and omega-3 supplements appeared to help
children with autism in the current study, Fraguas agreed it's
premature to advise parents to start giving kids these supplements.
"Currently, we cannot make a specific recommendation regarding
dietary interventions as treatments for autism spectrum disorder,"
Fraguas said.
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2nFg5RJ and http://bit.ly/2B5pDZa Pediatrics,
online October 4, 2019.
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