Casein is a protein that gives milk its white color. Gluten is a protein present in grains such as wheat, barley and rye.
There has been much speculation on the effects of these two proteins on health. Some specialized gluten- and casein-free diets have been used for children with autism, but according to the University of Texas at Austin, current research does not support the theory that removing these items from the diet has any effect on autism. Nevertheless, some parents have eliminated these substances from their autistic children's diets to improve their well-being.
Foods Containing Casein
To eliminate casein from the diet, you'll have to rethink your dairy intake. Casein is present in cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, breast milk, and all things made from milk, including butter, cheese, sour cream, ice cream and some margarine brands. A form of casein called caseinate is sometimes added to hot dogs and soy cheeses, according to GFCF.com. Casein can lurk in foods you'd never suspect contain it, including tuna, which can contain hydrolyzed caseinate.
Foods Containing Gluten
Gluten is present in a wide swath of foods. The list of grains containing this protein is lengthy, and the foods that contain these grains make up a large portion of the typical Western diet. In addition to those grains previously mentioned, durum, millet, bulgur and oats also contain gluten, as do health food alternatives such as kamut, spelt and triticale. In order to avoid gluten entirely, you'll need to omit breads, pastas, cereals and baked goods containing any of these grains.
Gluten and Casein
Processed and packaged foods may pack a double whammy of foods to avoid if you're gluten or casein intolerant. Become an avid decipherer of labels if you want to rid your life of these proteins. Processed foods such as cookies, crackers, soups, sauces and seasonings are all potential sources of gluten and casein. Beware of candies with hidden ingredients: Caramel, chocolate and breath mints are all potential sources of both gluten and casein.
While Dining Out
To avoid unwanted consumption of these two proteins while dining out, you'll have to thoroughly quiz your server about the hidden ingredients that lurk in your menu items.
For instance, french fries are made of potatoes, so they're safe, you might surmise. Think again. In 2006, McDonald's was sued after a child with celiac disease, a condition in which the body cannot tolerate gluten, became ill after eating their fries. Angry vegans followed suit, filing their own lawsuits upon learning that McDonald's french fries contained not only gluten, but milk products as well. Vigilance is a necessity when attempting to adhere to a gluten- and casein-free diet for autism spectrum disorder.
