Limitations Of A Gfcf Diet

You may read books or online support boards advocating a GFCF (gluten-free, casein-free) diet for children with autism-spectrum disorders. In GFCF diets, people eliminate food that contains gluten or casein. Gluten, a protein found in some grains, exists in breads, pastas and cereals made with wheat, rye and barley. Casein is a protein found in milk and milk products like cheese, yogurt and sour cream. The two proteins also exist in processed foods. Some people tie the GFCF diet to improvement in autistic traits, while others worry about the diet's limitations.

Theory

Advocacy groups like the Autism Network for Dietary Intervention cite research that indicates a link between autistic symptoms and the food proteins casein and gluten. The studies echo anecdotal information from parents who report improvement in traits related to autism, including social and cognitive challenges, sleep problems and stomach disorders, on the GFCF diet. The supportive studies theorize that autistic people can't absorb certain foods as efficiently as people without autism. Specifically, people with autism have been found to have abnormal peptide activity, which is exacerbated or even caused by the peptides in the proteins gluten and casein. GFCF meal plans for autism typically also include vitamin supplements and probiotics.

Controversy

MayoClinic.com warns that no credible research exists to support the theory that gluten and casein cause autism or the claim that the GFCF diet will ease autism symptoms. A 2010 study conducted by the University of Rochester showed "no significant benefits" of the GFCF diet for children with autism. It attributed the promising results of earlier studies to the fact that these studies didn't take other factors into account, including behavioral therapies that children may have begun at the same time they began the GFCF diet.

Nutrition Limitations

MayoClinic.com warns that strict adherence to a GFCF may cause nutritional deficiencies in children. Wheat, barley and rye are rich in iron, fiber and B vitamins, while milk products have calcium and Vitamin D. Iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency anemia can interfere with growth and cause weakness, fatigue and chest pain. Calcium supports bone growth and strength and may help fight obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin D works with calcium to support healthy bones and appears to boost immunity.

Psychological Drawbacks

Along with potential nutritional deficiencies relating to the GFCF diet, another obvious danger lies in the fact that parents may ignore other, more proven therapies and medications. Prescription drugs may help secondary problems of some forms of autism, including anxiety, anger, intestinal difficulty and seizures. MayoClinic.com additionally recommends specialized education programs and behavior therapy to help autistic children improve their communication and socialization skills.

Considerations

The GFCF diet has passionate defenders as well as skeptical critics. But both sides agree the diet isn't inherently dangerous for children with autism, provided they receive other therapies and a balanced diet. Gluten-free grains like brown rice, oatmeal and cornmeal can step in for gluten-rich grains. Calcium and Vitamin D-fortified cereals and juices exist, and foods like spinach, almonds, cod liver oil, eggs and fatty fish also provide these nutrients.