Assessing the feasibility of using the ketogenic diet in autism spectrum disorder.
J Hum Nutr Diet
; 36(4): 1303-1315, 2023 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36478324
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Evidence demonstrating efficacy of dietary interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains inconsistent. Recent research on the ketogenic diet (KD) for the treatment of ASD has suggested a benefit. Children with ASD often demonstrate ritualised food-specific behaviours, taste and texture aversions, and an increased prevalence of food restrictions and allergies. There is a need to investigate how these features contribute to initiation and adherence of the KD. Two surveys were administered to assess the feasibility of utilising the KD for ASD.METHODS:
First, paper surveys were given to caregivers of children presenting to outpatient neurology clinics. Next, experienced clinicians were recruited and surveyed online using Qualtrics. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare ASD and non-ASD caregiver responses. Descriptive metrics were used to present clinician responses. Responses to each question were evaluated individually.RESULTS:
One hundred and fourteen surveys were collected from caregivers. There were no significant differences in (1) stated feasibility of adopting a new diet, (2) a carbohydrate restricted diet, (3) diet restrictions, (4) documented allergies or (5) personal/cultural restrictions between groups with and without ASD. Seventy clinician responses were collected. The majority (67.4%) indicated that feasibility for a child with ASD to adopt a KD for any reason depends on ASD severity. Some respondents 73% rated adherence to the KD as more difficult compared to age-matched controls, whereas 26% considered it similar. Multiple familial and child characteristics were rated as increasing the difficulty of successful KD.CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the present study suggest that it is feasible for children with ASD to adopt a KD, and success is highly individualised to child and family.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Dieta Cetogênica
/
Transtorno do Espectro Autista
Tipo de estudo:
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Child
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Hum Nutr Diet
Assunto da revista:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos