The gluten free casein free diet, often referred to as the GFCF diet, is a dietary intervention that has been proposed as an alternative or supplemental treatment for autism. It is thought that some children with autism cannot process gluten and casein, and rather than a traditional allergic reaction, instead demonstrate unusual behaviors including repetitive actions or difficulty with social interaction. The removal of gluten, found in grain products, and casein, found in dairy products, is thought to lead to the reduction of difficult or unusual behaviors.
Theory of the Diet
According to the website for the GFCF diet, it is thought that some children do not have the enzyme that allows them to break down the peptides found in gluten and casein. When the gluten and casein proteins are not broken down, they can travel through the bloodstream, into the brain, and interfere with the way the brain communicates to the body. This then leads to changes in behavior such as problems with speech, attention and social interaction. It is thought that these children react so strongly to these ingredients that the removal of them will create behavior similar to withdrawal from a drug, as their bodies adjust to the absence of these products in their system. It is also important that children be tested for food allergies to determine any sensitivities they may have in this dietary change.
Gluten Free Products
Gluten can be found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Alternative foods include potatoes and rice. Also, many companies provide gluten free versions of items such as pasta. An additional concern, particularly with gluten products, is cross contamination. Labels on food items should be checked to see if items containing gluten or casein are produced in the same factory, or to call the company and ask. Additionally, it is recommended to use different baking dishes and devices such as toasters for gluten free products than products with gluten to ensure there is no cross contamination.
Casein Free Products
Casein is the protein found in dairy products, meaning any product that comes from the milk of a mammal. However, because of the removal of casein from a child's diet, their intake of calcium will be dramatically reduced. This can be replaced in the child's body with supplements. An important part of removing gluten and casein from the diet is finding replacement foods. Many grocery stores now carry gluten free and casein free products. The Talk About Curing Autism organization provides a food list on their website that indicates the manufacturers of various items and whether or not they can be found in local stores. However, it is still important to read food manufacturing labels before purchasing items.
