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A new study, published in the Frontiers of Nutrition journal, has uncovered a potential connection between diet and autism. The researchers were investigating if long-term eating habits could be genetically influenced, reshaping a person’s immune system and affecting autism symptoms.

The study concluded that while diet isn’t the cause or cure for autism, specific foods can influence the body’s immune system in a way that plays a small role in how autism develops. The researchers, from Shandong University Qilu Hospital, China, found three particular foods may have a link to the neurodevelopmental condition, namely wholemeal pasta, cheese spread and bananas. But, each had varying effects.

The study had limitations, with experts from News Medical noting the findings should be ‘interpreted cautiously’ and are ‘best viewed as a singal rather than proof of protection’.

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People who ate more foods with high gluten, like wholemeal pasta, and high casein, like cheese spread, were shown to potentially have an increased genetic susceptibility to the disorder.

The researchers also highlighted other studies which have suggested that gluten-free and casein-free diets may improve symptoms in people with autism, although these studies haven’t reached definitive conclusions.

Children with autism are known to struggle with emotional regulation, digestive discomfort, food sensitives and immune system irregularities. Which led researchers to bananas, a nutritionally dense fruit source of tryptophan and dietary fibre.

Tryptophan plays a vital role in the body’s use of serotonin, which helps regulate emotions. The fibre element of bananas can also help promote digestive health. All of which can help ease symptoms for children with autism.

The researchers emphasised: “It is important to note that while bananas may have these potential benefits for children with autism, they do not have a direct therapeutic effect on autism.”

People who had a genetic tendency to eat more bananas were found to be less likely to have autism. Although the experts noted this could be influenced by the fact that people who ate more bananas also had healthier diets overall.

They concluded: “Although this study provides important insights, more extensive epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to validate these findings.

“Our study suggests that the intake of wholemeal pasta and cheese spread is a risk factor for ASD. These findings may help clinicians enhance health education for patients with ASD and encourage them to change their dietary factors.

“These findings highlight the complexity of immune system responses and set the stage for further exploration of the role of immunomodulation in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Researchers hope this study will enable families to make more informed dietary decisions.