Keywords
Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet
Nutritional Intervention
Behavioral Symptoms
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet in reducing behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The PICO strategy guided the research question. Seventeen studies were included, including clinical trials, systematic reviews, observational studies, and meta-analyses. Results: Most studies (76%) reported behavioral improvements, such as increased social interaction and reduced irritability, and 47% showed gastrointestinal benefits, including reduced abdominal pain and constipation. Effects were more consistent in subgroups with pre-existing intestinal alterations. However, methodological heterogeneity and small samples limited the strength of the evidence. Conclusion: The GFCF diet shows potential benefits for children with ASD, particularly those with prior gastrointestinal symptoms, but requires individualized use and further research with rigorous designs.
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