On November 9, the Nutrition and Autism Workshop, delivered by Nutritionist Nallely Zambrano and organized by Fundación Pasos de Luz, took place. The presentation explained why nutrition is crucial in autism given the frequent feeding challenges and food selectivity seen in children on the spectrum, which can lead to deficiencies.
Gluten-free and casein-free diets have gained popularity, but the overall scientific evidence supporting them is limited. A promising area of research is the gut-brain connection, where differences in the intestinal microbiota have been observed.
Gastrointestinal issues are common and can influence behavior. Supplementation with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins may be helpful in some cases. Ultimately, a personalized nutritional approach can improve the general health and quality of life of children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum.
This workshop was an excellent learning opportunity for parents of children with autism in our community, providing practical guidance to help keep their children healthy, minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, and support improvements in behavioral aspects.
