Implementation of an Elemental Diet in Five Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease: A Brief Report

Kelly Barnhill,Morgan Devlin,Wendy Richardson,Laura Hewitson,Amy Potts,Alan Gutierrez,Ayse Yesim Gocmen

doi:10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3181

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and social interaction. Children with ASD are frequently diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, although the association between ASD and GI conditions is unclear. Underlying nutritional deficiencies are more common in children with ASD, and increase the risk of them developing medical conditions secondary to the behavioral diagnosis. This objective of this study was to examine the use of an elemental diet (ED) in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease in 5 children with ASD ages 2-21 years of age. In the study participants, the ED was well-tolerated with improvements in anthropometric measures, nutritional markers, and/or GI functioning reported after 12 weeks of intervention. Further research to advance the development of specific evidence-based guidelines in the management and treatment of gastrointestinal concerns in the ASD population is warranted.

Highlights

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, with deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and/or restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests [1]
CRP decreased from a baseline value of 4.4 mg/dL to
After the 12-week study intervention period, nutrient intake was reported as 2000 total kCal, 210g total carbohydrates, 95g total fat and 60g total protein

Summary

Introduction

ASD is a complex pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, with deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication and/or restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests [1]. There is increasing evidence of an involvement of gastrointestinal (GI) issues in children with ASD [2,3,4], with a potential secondary impact on behavior [5, 6]. Dietary restrictions and problem feeding behavior, nutrient malabsorption, and increased intestinal losses in children with ASD can compromise dietary intake and cause nutritional depletion. A compromised nutritional status negatively impacts growth velocity and increases the risk of developing medical conditions secondary to the primary diagnosis of ASD [20]. While general recommendations for symptomatic management have been developed [9], there are no evidence-based guidelines for therapy to address GI symptoms specific to children with ASD

Methods

Results

Conclusion