Dietary Fat Effect on the Gut Microbiome, and Its Role in the Modulation of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report a higher frequency and severity of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) than typically developing (TD) children. GID-associated discomfort increases feelings of anxiety and frustration, contributing to the severity of ASD. Emerging evidence supports the biological intersection of neurodevelopment and microbiome, indicating the integral contribution of GM in the development and function of the nervous system, and mental health, and disease balance. Dysbiotic GM could be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of GID in children with ASD. High-fat diets may modulate GM through accelerated growth of bile-tolerant bacteria, altered bacterial ratios, and reduced bacterial diversity, which may increase the risk of GID. Notably, saturated fatty acids are considered to have a pronounced effect on the increase of bile-tolerant bacteria and reduction in microbial diversity. Additionally, omega-3 exerts a favorable impact on GM and gut health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Despite inconsistencies in the data elaborated in the review, the dietary fat composition, as part of an overall dietary intervention, plays a role in modulating GID, specifically in ASD, due to the altered microbiome profile. This review emphasizes the need to conduct future experimental studies investigating the effect of diets with varying fatty acid compositions on GID-specific microbiome profiles in children with ASD.

Analysis of Faecal Microbiota and Small ncRNAs in Autism: Detection of miRNAs and piRNAs with Possible Implications in Host–Gut Microbiota Cross-Talk

“…Instead, the “Fatty acid metabolism” gene set includes genes known to be affected by gut microbiota composition [ 127 ]: saturated fatty acids increase bile-tolerant bacteria and reduce microbial diversity, while unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3, exert anti-inflammatory activity that contributes to gut health. Thus, an overall diet scheduling fat intake to alleviate gastro-intestinal disorders has been suggested [ 128 ]. Finally, IL2/STAT5 signalling pathway has a role in differentiation and homeostasis of both pro- and anti-inflammatory T cells, determining the molecular details of immune regulation [ 129 , 130 ].…”

Intestinal Flora Composition and Exploration of New Therapeutic Methods in Children with Autism

“…Many studies have shown that ASD is characterized by increased intestinal permeability and abnormal intestinal immune function. Compared with children with ASD without gastrointestinal symptoms, children with gastrointestinal symptoms had more behavioral and emotional problems, and the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms was closely related to the severity of ASD symptoms (Kittana et al 2021). A study of 140-170 children with ASD showed that 24-63% of autism children had at least one gastrointestinal symptom.…”

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorders ：A Systematic Review

“…DHA plays a role in cognitive function, neurotransmission, neuronal survival and attenuating neurodegeneration [8]. The balance of essential fatty acids is essential for brain development and considered as a possible biomarker for ASD [9]. Up to 60% of patients with ASD have some degree of immune dysfunction, suggesting a link between PUFA and inflammatory homeostasis [10].…”