What is a gluten-free/casein-free diet for autism?
A gluten-free/casein-free diet is also known as the GFCF diet. It is
one of several alternative treatments for children with autism. When
following this strict elimination diet, all foods containing gluten and
casein are removed from the child's daily food intake.
Some parents of children with autism believe their children are
allergic or sensitive to the components found in these foods. Some seek
allergy testing for confirmation. Yet even when no allergy is
confirmed, many parents of autistic children still choose to offer the
GFCF diet. Among the benefits they report are changes in speech and
behavior.
How does a gluten-free/casein-free diet for autism work?
The gluten-free/casein-free diet is based on the theory that children
with autism may have an allergy or high sensitivity to certain foods.
In particular, the theory targets foods that contain gluten and casein.
Children with autism, according to the theory, process peptides and
proteins in foods containing gluten and casein differently than other
people do. Hypothetically, this difference in processing may exacerbate
autistic symptoms. Some believe that the brain treats these proteins
like false opiate-type chemicals. The reaction to these chemicals, they
say, leads a child to act in a certain way.
Based on this theory, diets free of gluten and casein are given to
children with autism. The intent is to reduce symptoms and improve
social and cognitive behaviors and speech.
There may be some scientific merit to the reasoning behind a gluten-
free/casein-free diet. Researchers have found abnormal levels of
peptides in bodily fluids of some people who have symptoms of autism.
Still, the effectiveness of a GFCF diet for autism has not been
scientifically substantiated in randomized clinical trials. In fact, a
review of recent and past studies concluded there is a lack of
scientific evidence to say whether this diet can be helpful or not.
Unfortunately, eliminating all sources of gluten and casein is so hard
that conducting randomized clinical trials in children may prove to be
very difficult.
Which foods contain gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in the seeds of several grains such as
barley, rye, and wheat. A huge number of foods contain gluten. Gluten
provides structure or binding to baked products. While it's quite
difficult to avoid gluten, many stores, particularly natural food
stores, display foods in a gluten-free area of the store. Still, it's
important to read nutrition labels to see if there are additives
containing gluten.
When someone is on a gluten-free diet, most bread and grain products
are forbidden. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the child
(or other person) receives ample fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Supplementation can help make up for the lack of these nutrients when
foods containing gluten are eliminated.
Which foods contain casein?
Casein is a protein found in dairy products and other foods containing
dairy or lactose. Even foods proclaiming to be dairy-free or lactose-
free contain casein. Because many soy products and imitation dairy
products also contain casein, it's important to read labels carefully
when following a strict casein free diet.
Because the GFCF diet for autism restricts dairy products, you'll need
to make sure the child's diet has other good sources of calcium and
vitamin D. Both are necessary for strong bones and teeth. Talk with
your child's doctor about fortified foods and/or supplementation to
avoid any nutritional deficiencies.
Are there tips for eating at home or eating out on a gluten-
free/casein-free diet?
There are a large number of online retailers (AllergyFreeFoods.com) who specialize in food
products for people following the GFCF diet. Some parents make GFCF
food in large quantities and freeze portions for a later meal.
Before making the change to a GFCF diet, consult your child's doctor. A
licensed dietitian can educate you about the GFCF diet and help you
tailor the diet to your child's health needs and taste preferences.
In addition, before starting a child with autism on a gluten-
free/casein-free diet, beware the hidden sources of gluten. Gluten can
be found in fried foods that are dusted in flour and even in cosmetics.
Whole foods may be safe. But avoid using packaged mixes because there
may be traces of foods containing gluten that are not listed on the
nutrition label.
Some restaurants are now categorized as GFCF-friendly. If you are
concerned, talk to the manager or obtain food ingredient lists before
eating there. Vegetarian/vegan restaurants are often used to people on
special diets frequenting their restaurants. They may be more willing
to prepare dishes that adhere to the restrictions of a strict GFCF
diet.
This article was provided by WebMD.com
