Casein is a protein found in dairy products. Gluten is a protein found in particular grains. You may avoid casein and gluten due to a food allergy or intolerance or to help treat medical conditions, such as autism. Although gluten-free, casein-free diets have not been scientifically proven beneficial for autism, according to MayoClinic, proponents of this type of diet believe that eliminating both ingredients improves brain function. For best results, seek professional guidance before altering your diet.
Dairy Products and Derivatives
Dairy products, including goat's and cow's milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheeses and sour cream, contain casein. Marilyn Le Breton, author of "Diet Intervention and Autism" suggests reading ingredient lists on food packing to determine whether hidden forms of casein, such as caseinate, butter, whey, lactalbumin, lactose, milk solids, lactagloblin or lactose, are contained in the product. In the United States, food manufacturers are required to alert consumers of milk-containing products, so check food packaging for phrases, such as "contains milk products," as well. Less obvious foods that often contain casein include puddings, cheesecakes, breads, cold cereals, creamy soups and soup mixes, cakes, cookies, frostings and whipped cream. Lactose-free cheeses, such as soy and rice cheese, often contain casein for improved texture and melting capabilities.
Breads, Cereal, Pasta and Snack Foods
Most commercially prepared breads, cold cereals, pasta and snack foods contain gluten. All enriched white and wheat bread, dinner rolls, hamburger buns, bagels, English muffins, crackers, pretzels, cakes, cookies and flour tortillas contain gluten; many also contain some amount of casein. To determine whether a food contains gluten, check ingredient lists for gluten-sources, such as barley, bran, bread flour, bulgur, cereal extract, cereal binding, cracker meal, durum, edible starch, farina, bleached flour, bread flour, germ, gluten, graham flour, oat flour, malted milk, malt syrup, matzo, wheat, rye, semolina, spelt, sprouted wheat, wheat grass and wheat berries. Unless commercially prepared baked goods, cereals and pasta explicitly read "gluten-free," Le Breton suggests avoiding them.
Condiments and Sauces
A variety of condiments and sauces contain gluten and or casein. Soy sauce and miso may contain gluten, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. Sauces that contain broth, starch or other additives used to add bulk, such as flour, may also contain gluten. Gravy mixes also contain gluten. Mayonnaise and creamy salad dressings, such as Ranch and Caesar dressing, and all cheesy and creamy sauces contain casein; some also contain gluten. Preparing your own sauces and using natural herbs to season food may help ease the process of avoiding these products. When dining out, ask that dressing and other sauces be omitted or served on the side.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Autism Treatment: Can Special Diets Help?
- University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center: Gluten-Free Diet
- "Diet Intervention and Autism: Implementing a Gluten Free and Casein Free Diet for Autistic Children and Adults"; Marilyne Le Breton; 2001
