Overview
Assess the effect of a casein-free and gluten-free diet on gastrointestinal symptoms, clinical variables, and the composition of the intestinal microbiota in Mexican children with autism spectrum disorder.
Description
The objective of this quasi-experimental pre-post study with time series is to evaluate the effect of a casein-free and gluten-free diet on gastrointestinal symptoms, clinical variables, and the composition of the intestinal microbiota in Mexican children with autism spectrum disorder. The main question it aims to answer is:
Does a casein free and gluten free diet promote a reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms, an improvement in clinical variables, and a state of eubiosis in the composition of the intestinal microbiota in Mexican children with autism spectrum disorder?
Participants will undergo:
An intervention of a casein-free and gluten-free diet for 3 months. Sample collection before and after the nutritional intervention. Clinical evaluations.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
Children between 4-10 years old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder using the criteria established in the ADOS scale and the CARS.
Exclusion Criteria:
Children who have received:
- Antibiotics
- Antimycotics
- Probiotic supplements
- Prebiotic supplements
- Any medication that may alter the microbial composition of the patient, minimum one month prior to sampling.
- Children on a strict dietary regimen other than a casein-free and gluten-free diet.
- Children with celiac disease or who present any gluten-related disorder.
- Children with allergy to dairy products.