Bogotá D. C., ago. 02 de 2012 - Agencia de Noticias UN- According to UN nutritionists a diet based on vegetable sourced foods could improve, in the long term, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

Quinoa, amaranth, wheat, rye and oats are some of the grains which  make children with ASD less reticent, and aggressive, as well as control their hyperactivity.  

“What we are suggesting, is offering children with ASD vegetable source foods rich in calcium. We recognize that availability is low, but the idea is to use the foods for the wellbeing of these children”, says Luz Adriana Aguirre, UN nutrition undergraduate student.  

Vulnerable children 

Children with ASD have a different type of intestinal flora, and suffer from gastrointestinal disorders more frequently. Therefore, restrictions should be supervised by a specialist. 

According to Luz, “if children get help from a good doctor with nutrition, they won’t suffer from malnutrition or lack of energy”.  

According to research, 95% of kids respond well to this diet, and improve their behavior, although some display intestinal problems due to loss of intestinal impermeability. It should be noted that intestinal flora is notably altered by use of antibiotics.  

A long process 

In some cases there are no notable results in the short term, but research is conclusive after 12 months. 

When supplementing the primary natural sources of calcium (dairy), intestinal flora is affected, and recovery is slow. Children often manifest cognitive improvements and better relationships with people.  

“These diets do not work in the short term. After eight months, some children do not show changes at all, and therefore many people abandon the treatment. It is important to continue, because between 12 and 24 months, the changes are often very encouraging”, says Luz Adriana Aguirre.  

A kid’s behavior due to a grain based menu is extremely evident. Therefore, researchers continue working to replace the nutrients which calcium provide, and which are suppressed in many diets.

(Por:Fin/CJCO/clc)

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