Truths, Myths and Needs of Special Diets: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, and Vegetarianism

Ann Nutr Metab. 2016:68 Suppl 1:43-50. doi: 10.1159/000445393. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Abstract

Different dietary approaches have been attempted for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism, but only three of them have been subjected to clinical trials: education in healthy nutritional habits, supplementation and elimination diets. On the other hand, for multiple reasons, the number of people who adopt vegetarian and gluten-free diets (GFD) increases daily. More recently, a new entity, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), with a still evolving definition and clinical spectrum, has been described. Although, the benefits of GFD are clearly supported in this condition as well as in celiac disease, in the last two decades, GFD has expanded to a wider population. In this review, we will attempt to clarify, according to the existing evidence, which are the myths and facts of these diets.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diet therapy*
  • Autistic Disorder / diet therapy*
  • Caseins / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Diet, Gluten-Free* / adverse effects
  • Diet, Protein-Restricted* / adverse effects
  • Diet, Vegetarian* / adverse effects
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diet therapy
  • Food Intolerance / diet therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neurogenesis

Substances

  • Caseins