Features of specific food hypersensitivity to dairy and cereal products in children with autism spectrum disorder

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between food hypersensitivity, inflammation markers and the cytokine profile in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Materials and methods. The concentration of specific IgG for 111 food antigens was measured via the modified immunological method designed by the ImmunoHealth company. In addition, we performed routine biochemistry tests and immunoassay of interleukins. All children with ASD followed the recommended eliminating diet during 6 months. In order to check their physical and mental condition, their parents completed the autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC), both before and after the diet (Bernard Rimland and Stephen M. Edelson of the Autism Research Institute).

In result, we detected the high frequency of hypersensitivity to cereal and dairy products in children with ASD. Moreover, the intensity of hypersensitivity correlated with ATEC score. We also determined that the cytokine profile in children with ASD was different from that in the control group. In particular, the concentration of IFNγ in serum, as well as the IFNγ/IL-10 and IFNγ/IL-4 ratio, were significantly higher in children with ASD. The revealed changes in the cytokine profile correlate with the specific hypersensitivity for cereal and dairy food antigens as well as with ATEC score.

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