Application of a Ketogenic Diet in Children With Autistic Behavior: Pilot Study

Abstract

A pilot prospective follow-up study of the role of the ketogenic diet was carried out on 30 children, aged between 4 and 10 years, with autistic behavior. The diet was applied for 6 months, with continuous administration for 4 weeks, interrupted by 2-week diet-free intervals. Seven patients could not tolerate the diet, whereas five other patients adhered to the diet for 1 to 2 months and then discontinued it. Of the remaining group who adhered to the diet, 18 of 30 children (60%), improvement was recorded in several parameters and in accordance with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Significant improvement (> 12 units of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale) was recorded in two patients (pre-Scale: 35.00 +/- 1.41[mean +/- SD]), average improvement (> 8-12 units) in eight patients (pre-Scale: 41.88 +/- 3.14[mean +/- SD]), and minor improvement (2-8 units) in eight patients (pre-Scale: 45.25 +/- 2.76 [mean +/- SD]). Although these data are very preliminary, there is some evidence that the ketogenic diet may be used in autistic behavior as an additional or alternative therapy.

Ketogenic Diet – From the Implementation in Clinical Practice to Nowadays

“…Incidence rates are increasing, and current treatments are often ineffective. KGD can be used as additional or alternative therapy among children with autistic behavior [13]. According to Napoli (2014) and other authors [14,15] one of the reasons for the therapeutic effect is the increased GABA output [18].…”

“…According to Napoli (2014) and other authors [14,15] one of the reasons for the therapeutic effect is the increased GABA output [18]. A number of authors claim that the effect of dieting is reported to vary degrees in approximately 60% of children [13] -they are being tested with the "Childhood Autism Rating Scale". There is an improvement in learning and social skills [13,16,17].…”

“…A number of authors claim that the effect of dieting is reported to vary degrees in approximately 60% of children [13] -they are being tested with the "Childhood Autism Rating Scale". There is an improvement in learning and social skills [13,16,17].…”

“…In order to achieve a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to adhere to the ketogenic regime for a minimum of 6 months [13] to one year [10] with its application after this period the therapeutic effect may keep increasing [11].…”

Pharmacobiological Treatments in Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…One study that investigated the effect of ketogenic diet on 30 children with ASD showed significant improvements in social and communication functions [45].…”