Children with autism are prone to food allergies, here’s why

A recent study done by the University of Iowa has found a link between food allergy and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results show that children with ASD are more than twice as likely to suffer from a food allergy than children who do not have it.

“It is possible that the immunologic disruptions may have processes beginning early in life, which then influence brain development and social functioning, leading to the development of ASD,” says Wei Bao. The study found that 11.25% children reportedly diagnosed with ASD have a food allergy, significantly higher than the 4.25% of children who are not diagnosed with ASD and have a food allergy.

Bao said his study could not determine the causality of this relationship given its observational nature. But previous studies have suggested possible links — increased production of antibodies, immune system overreactions causing impaired brain function, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and alterations in the gut biome. He says those connections warrant further investigation.

“We don’t know which comes first, food allergy or ASD,” said Bao, adding that another longitudinal follow-up study of children since birth would be needed to establish temporality. The study was published in JAMA Network Open.

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