All sources of gluten and casein are eliminated on the gluten-free casein-free, or GFCF, diet. According to Dee Sandquist, a registered dietitian for two Hy-Vee food stores and an American Dietetic Association spokesperson, the typical followers of the GFCF diet include autistic children and individuals with an allergy or intolerance to these proteins. Gluten is found in foods made from wheat, rye, and barley. Casein is present in milk and milk products. Although the GFCF diet may prove to be beneficial, it can also result in side effects that impact your health and nutritional status.
Decreased Bone Development
Individuals following the GFCF diet are at risk for developing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Milk and milk products serve as good sources of these nutrients, which play a role in healthy bone development. In January 2008, the National Institutes of Health released findings from an investigation conducted by Mary L. Hediger, Ph.D., and colleagues indicating that the bones of autistic boys who eliminated casein from their diet were 10 percent thinner than those of autistic boys whose casein consumption was not restricted.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Many gluten-containing cereals and breads are fortified with iron; therefore, their elimination could cause you to fall short of the recommended daily intake, leading to a deficiency. A typical sign of iron deficiency is iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is reduced due to impaired hemoglobin production caused by insufficient iron. Feelings of fatigue and weakness could result.
Weight Gain
Individuals who have an intolerance to gluten and casein could experience weight gain by following a GFCF diet. Initially, you may be underweight if you have a food intolerance that interferes with the proper digestion of nutrients. Once corrections have been made to your diet to allow for better absorption, weight gain can occur. "But, this can be a good thing," states Sandquist. She explains that weight gain from the GFCF diet becomes problematic when it results from making unwise food choices within the context of the diet, as can happen with any meal plan. "A calorie is a calorie and because of the greater number of gluten-free products on the market today, it is possible that people are eating more sweet treats and pastas in excess, which can lead to weight gain," remarks Sandquist.
Other Potential Side Effects
The GFCF diet can lead to reduced fiber intake, negatively impacting gastrointestinal health. Deficiencies in magnesium and the B-complex vitamins can also occur, affecting energy metabolism.
Preventing Side Effects
Sandquist recommends consulting a registered dietitian if you are interested in adhering to the GFCF diet. A registered dietitian can provide you with a list of healthy gluten-free casein-free foods, meal ideas, and shopping tips that can increase your chances of eating a varied, balanced diet that will prevent nutritional deficiencies and weight gain.
References
- "Pediatric Clinics of North America"; Nutritional Deficiencies in Children on Restricted Diets; Midge Kirby and Elaine Danner; October 2009
- Dee Sandquist MS, RD; American Dietetic Association Spokesperson; Fairfield, Iowa
- American Dietetic Association: Autism and Diet
- National Institutes of Health: Thin Bones Seen In Boys with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Mayo Clinic: Iron Deficiency Anemia
Member Comments