Therapeutic diets and supplementation: exploring their impact on autism spectrum disorders in childhood - A narrative review of recent clinical trials

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Nutritional interventions have gained attention as potential therapeutic strategies for individuals with ASD. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent clinical trials investigating the effects of various nutritional interventions on ASD symptoms. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases to identify clinical trials published between 2018 and 2023. Studies focusing on children with ASD and evaluating the impact of nutritional interventions were included. The selected articles were analyzed for study design, intervention type, outcome measures, and results. Results: A total of 26 studies were included in the review, covering a range of nutritional interventions including gluten -free and casein-free diets, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, vitamin and mineral supplementation, probiotics, prebiotics, and others. The studies varied in design, sample size, and outcome measures. Overall, the findings revealed some positive effects of specific nutritional interventions on ASD symptoms, such as improvements in social responsiveness, communication, hyperactivity, and stereotypical behaviors. However, discrepancies and limitations were noted across the studies, highlighting the need for further research. Conclusion: This comprehensive review provides insights into the potential therapeutic effects of nutritional interventions for individuals with ASD. While some interventions showed promising results, further research with larger sample sizes, standardized methodologies, and longer-term follow-ups is needed to establish their efficacy. Personalized approaches, considering the heterogeneity of ASD, and strategies to enhance adherence to dietary interventions are also crucial in developing effective treatment plans. Overall, nutritional interventions hold promise as adjunctive therapies for individuals with ASD, warranting continued investigation in this field of research.