Gluten and casein are common allergens. People who may have a gluten sensitivity, such as those with celiac disease, should avoid all gluten in foods. Noncompliance can render intestinal villi ineffective by flattening them and preventing proper nutrient absorption. Other reactions to food intolerances and sensitivities can induce a reaction that is neurological, intestinal, respiratory, oral, or felt in the ears, nose, eyes or skin. Parents of autistic children have found positive results from eliminating gluten and casein from the diet.
Gluten Containing Foods
Wheat, barley rye and malt naturally contain gluten. Every part of these grains -- or things made from parts of these grains -- contain gluten. This includes bran, couscous, cream of wheat, farina, kamut, matzo/matzoh meal, pasta, seitan, semolina, spelt, spouted wheat, sprouted barley, tabbouleh, triticale, udon, wheat germ, wheat starch, soy and teriyaki sauces unless labeled wheat-free. There may be cross contamination with oats; therefore, it is important to avoid products containing oats unless they are specifically labeled gluten free. Foods likely to contain wheat, barley, rye, malt or oats are bread products, pasta, breakfast cereals, cakes and cookies.
Other Items That May Contain Gluten
Gluten has many properties that are beneficial for use in the food industry. It is often used as a stabilizing agent in food products. Food additives that can contain gluten are emulsifiers, fillers, flavoring, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), texturized vegetable protein (TVP), modified food starch, seasonings, stabilizers and vegetable protein. Nonfood items that contain gluten include over- the-counter and prescription medications, vitamin and mineral supplements -- especially in tablet form -- cosmetics, Play-Doh and glue. It is important to check with the manufacturer to see if there are any hidden gluten sources in their products before consuming anything that is not labeled gluten free.
Casein-Containing Foods
Casein is a protein found in milk and milk products. These products include non-fat milk, low-fat milk, skim milk, whole milk, buttermilk, dry milk, powdered milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, goat's milk, half & half, cream, butter including butterfat, butter oil, butter solids and artificial butter flavor, caseinates, cheese, cheese flavor, cottage cheese, curds, custard, ghee, ice cream, ice milk, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate, lactoferrin, milk chocolate, nougat, pudding, rennet, sherbet, sour cream, whey -- unless specifically stated that it casein free -- and yogurt. Since milk and milk products contain calcium, vitamin D and protein, it is important to obtain these nutrients from other sources.
Items that May Contain Casein
Additionally, casein is often found in foods that are not milk products. Foods that may contain casein include brown sugar flavoring, canned tuna, caramel flavoring, chocolate, commercially prepared mixes, high protein flour, lactic acid starter culture, margarine, packaged dinners, processed meats, natural flavoring, nondairy creamer, salad dressings, sauces, Simplesse, soups, vegetarian nondairy cheese substitutes and whipped topping. When in doubt, it is important to check with the manufacturers of products to make sure they do not contain casein. Avoiding foods and other nonfood items that contain gluten and casein can help relieve symptoms in those that have a sensitivity to gluten and casein.
Both Gluten and Casein
Whereas there are no foods that contain both gluten and casein naturally, there are many processed and prepared foods that may contain both -- such as baked goods or macaroni and cheese. Careful label reading is imperative to be completely certain that a product does not contain these allergens.
References
- "Eating For Autism"; Elizabeth Strickland; 2009
- ADA: Nutrition Care Manual: Gluten Free Nutrition Therapy
