Some parents are turning to casein-free and gluten-free diets to treat autism in their children. There is a connection between the gut and the brain that indicates positive behavioral changes when dietary changes are made, such as removing casein and gluten. However, making this change is often difficult because these substances are present in so many foods. Careful label reading and knowledge of ingredients is imperative to successfully implement a gluten-free and casein-free diet. Consulting your doctor is also imperative before launching a new regimen.
Dietary Changes and Autism
You can make changes in your child's diet to possibly help with the behaviors associated with autism. In a study published in the April 2010 issue of "Nutritional Neuroscience," significant behavioral improvement occurred in the 26 children and 29 controls who were put on a casein-free and gluten-free diet. The study lasted two years with improvements occurring in the first 12 months. Intervention may be limited since the improvements reached a plateau in the second year of the study, but further studies are needed to better understand the dietary impacts on autism.
Foods with Casein to Avoid
Casein is found in milk products like cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and milk, including lactose-free products. Nondairy foods and soy cheeses may also contain casein. Milk solids, whey and "natural ingredients" on an ingredients list indicate the presence of casein. Unexpected foods that contain casein include McDonald's french fries, fruit-flavored Tums, caramel coloring and vinegar-flavored potato chips. Wine may be clarified with casein and whole, fresh chicken may be injected with lactose to maintain freshness. In the cases of wine and chicken, you may want to contact the manufacturer to find out if casein is present. Other foods that may contain casein are chocolate, chicken broth, chicken bullion, canned tuna with hydrolyzed casein, margarine and hydrolyzed protein. Cross-contamination is highly likely when food is processed in the same facility as dairy products.
Foods with Gluten to Avoid
Gluten is likely present in almost all cereals, breads, cakes, cookies, pies, pasta and bread unless labeled "gluten-free." It is also present in wheat and white flours, spelt, kamut, graham, matzo, triticale, semolina, rye, bulgur, barley, durum and seitan. Gluten may cross-contaminate oats in the processing, so these should also be certified gluten-free. Beer, candy, lunch meat, imitation crab and imitation meat usually contain gluten unless the label says otherwise. Gluten may also be in lipstick, play dough, toothpaste, vitamins and medication. If you are unsure of a product's ingredients, call the manufacturer.
Healthy Foods to Continue Enjoying
Although there are many foods to avoid on a gluten-free and casein-free diet, there are many foods you and your family should continue to enjoy. Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten or casein. Neither do fish, meat, poultry, lentils, seeds, nuts and legumes. Avocados, olive oil and coconut oil can provide healthy fats and herbs Although there are many foods to avoid on a gluten-free and casein-free diet, there are many foods you and your family should continue to enjoy. Fresh fruits and vegetables do not contain gluten or casein. Neither do fish, meat, poultry, lentils, seeds, nuts and legumes. Avocados, olive oil and coconut oil can provide healthy fats, and herbs can provide more health benefits along with flavor. Healthy grains you can still enjoy are millet, quinoa, rice and amaranth. If a product is labeled vegan, it will not contain casein and products labeled gluten-free will not contain gluten. However, you will want to check for gluten in vegan products and casein in gluten-free products.provide more health benefits along with flavor. Healthy grains you can still enjoy are millet, quinoa, rice and amaranth. If a product is labeled vegan, it will not contain casein and products labeled gluten-free will not contain gluten. However, you will want to check for gluten in vegan products and casein in gluten-free products.
References
- Celiac Sprue Association: Grains and Flours Glossary
- "PubMed"; The ScanBrit Randomised, Controlled, Single-blind Study of a Gluten- and Casein-free Dietary Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; P. Whiteley, et al.; April 2010
- MIT: Eating Without Casein
- PubMed: The Possibility and Probability of a Gut-to-brain Connection in Autism; K.L. Reichert; October 2009
- PubMed: Gluten- and Casein-free Diets for Autistic Spectrum Disorder; C. Millward; 2004
