Autism Spectrum Disorder and Eating Problems: The Imbalance of Gut Microbiota and the Gut-Brain Axis Hypothesis

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 51 - 56
• Main Author: Kim, Jiyoung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한소아청소년정신의학회 2024; Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 대한소아청소년 정신의학회
• Subjects: Autism; Children & youth; Diet; Eating behavior; Eating disorders; Fatty acids; Food; Gut microbiota; Gut-brain axis; Hypotheses; Microbiota; Nutrition research; Preschool children; Selenium; Sensory perception; SPECIAL ARTICLE: Eating Disorder; Teenagers; Vitamin B; Vitamin C; Vitamin D; Vitamin deficiency; 정신과학; Gastrointestinal tract; Eating disorder; Gut-brain axis; Autism spectrum disorder; Microbiome
• ISSN: 1225-729X; 2233-9183; 2233-9183
• DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230063

This review explores the complexities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), primarily focusing on the significant eating challenges faced by children and adolescents with this neurodevelopmental condition. It is common for individuals with ASD to exhibit heightened sensitivity to various sensory aspects of food such as taste, texture, smell, and visual appeal, leading to restricted and less diverse diets. These dietary limitations are believed to contribute to an imbalance in the gut microbiota. This review elaborates on how these eating problems, coupled with the distinctive characteristics of ASD, might be influenced by and, in turn, influence the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This discussion aims to shed light on the multifaceted interactions and potential implications of diet, gut health, and neurological development and function in children and adolescents with ASD.